bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Declining Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)–Associated Neurocognitive Disorders in Recent Years and Associated Factors in a Large Cohort of Antiretroviral Therapy–Treated Individuals With HIV
Authors: Mastrorosa Ilaria , Pinnetti Carmela , Brita Anna Clelia , Mondi Annalisa , Lorenzini Patrizia , Del Duca Giulia , Vergori Alessandra , Mazzotta Valentina , Gagliardini Roberta , Camici Marta , De Zottis Federico , Fusto Marisa , Plazzi Maria Maddalena , Grilli Elisabetta , Bellagamba Rita , Cicalini Stefania , Antinori Andrea
Published: August 2022

Background

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) have been suggested as persistent even with effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). Aims were to evaluate HAND prevalence and associated factors, in a large cohort of people-with-HIV (PWH).

Methods

ART-treated PWH, underwent a neuropsychological examination through a battery of 12 tests exploring 5 different domains, between 2009 and 2020, were included in this cross-sectional analysis. HAND were classified according to Frascati's criteria. Participants were defined as complaining or not-complaining if a cognitive complaint was reported or not. Chi-square for trend and multivariable logistic regression were fitted.

Results

Overall, 1424 PWH were enrolled during four three-years periods. HAND prevalence was 24%; among complainers (572/1424), it was 38%, higher than among not-complainers (15%). Over the study period, a decreasing HAND prevalence was found in the entire population (P < 0.001) and in complaining (P < 0.001); in not-complaining it remained stable (P = 0.182). Factors associated with HAND were older age, lower educational level, lower current CD4+ T-cell count and HCV co-infection. Compared to nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, receiving dual and integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based therapies was associated with a decreased risk of HAND, as well as being tested in more recent years.

Conclusions

In this large cohort of ART-treated PWH, mostly virologically suppressed, a remarkable decreasing HAND prevalence was observed. Besides HIV- and patient-related factors, the reduced risk of HAND found with dual and INSTI-based regimens along with a more recent ART initiation, could suggest a potential role of new treatment strategies in this decline, due to their greater virologic efficacy and better tolerability.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Severity and Risk of Subsequent Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Wiemken Timothy L , McGrath Leah J , Andersen Kathleen M , Khan Farid , Malhotra Deepa , Alfred Tamuno , Nguyen Jennifer L , Puzniak Laura , Thoburn Elizabeth , Jodar Luis , McLaughlin John M
Published: August 2022

Background

Little is known about the relationship between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity and subsequent risk of experiencing a cardiovascular event (CVE) after COVID-19 recovery. We evaluated this relationship in a large cohort of United States adults.

Methods

Using a claims database, we performed a retrospective cohort study of adults diagnosed with COVID-19 between 1 April 2020 and 31 May 2021. We evaluated the association between COVID-19 severity and risk of CVE >30 days after COVID-19 diagnosis using inverse probability of treatment–weighted competing risks regression. Severity was based on level of care required for COVID-19 treatment: intensive care unit (ICU) admission, non-ICU hospitalization, or outpatient care only.

Results

A total of 1 357 518 COVID-19 patients were included (2% ICU, 3% non-ICU hospitalization, and 95% outpatient only). Compared to outpatients, there was an increased risk of any CVE for patients requiring ICU admission (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.80 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.71–1.89]) or non-ICU hospitalization (aHR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.24–1.33]). Risk of subsequent hospitalization for CVE was even higher (aHRs, 3.47 [95% CI, 3.20–3.76] for ICU and 1.96 [95% CI, 1.85–2.09] for non-ICU hospitalized vs outpatient only).

Conclusions

COVID-19 patients hospitalized or requiring critical care had a significantly higher risk of experiencing and being hospitalized for post–COVID-19 CVE than patients with milder COVID-19 who were managed solely in the outpatient setting, even after adjusting for differences between these groups. These findings underscore the continued importance of preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection from progressing to severe illness to reduce potential long-term cardiovascular complications.
The Association Between Social Network Characteristics and Tuberculosis Infection Among Adults in 9 Rural Ugandan Communities
Authors: Marquez Carina , Chen Yiqun , Atukunda Mucunguzi , Chamie Gabriel , Balzer Laura B , Kironde Joel , Ssemmondo Emmanuel , Mwangwa Florence , Kabami Jane , Owaraganise Asiphas , Kakande Elijah , Abbott Rachel , Ssekyanzi Bob , Koss Catherine , Kamya Moses R , Charlebois Edwin D , Havlir Diane V , Petersen Maya L
Published: August 2022

Background

Social network analysis can elucidate tuberculosis transmission dynamics outside the home and may inform novel network-based case-finding strategies.

Methods

We assessed the association between social network characteristics and prevalent tuberculosis infection among residents (aged ≥15 years) of 9 rural communities in Eastern Uganda. Social contacts named during a census were used to create community-specific nonhousehold social networks. We evaluated whether social network structure and characteristics of first-degree contacts (sex, human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] status, tuberculosis infection) were associated with revalent tuberculosis infection (positive tuberculin skin test [TST] result) after adjusting for individual-level risk factors (age, sex, HIV status, tuberculosis contact, wealth, occupation, and Bacillus Calmette–Guérin [BCG] vaccination) with targeted maximum likelihood estimation.

Results

Among 3 335 residents sampled for TST, 32% had a positive TST results and 4% reported a tuberculosis contact. The social network contained 15 328 first-degree contacts. Persons with the most network centrality (top 10%) (adjusted risk ratio, 1.3 [95% confidence interval, 1.1–1.1]) and the most (top 10%) male contacts (1.5 [1.3–1.9]) had a higher risk of prevalent tuberculosis, than those in the remaining 90%. People with ≥1 contact with HIV (adjusted risk ratio, 1.3 [95% confidence interval, 1.1–1.6]) and ≥2 contacts with tuberculosis infection were more likely to have tuberculosis themselves (2.6 [ 95% confidence interval: 2.2–2.9]).

Conclusions

Social networks with higher centrality, more men, contacts with HIV, and tuberculosis infection were positively associated with tuberculosis infection. Tuberculosis transmission within measurable social networks may explain prevalent tuberculosis not associated with a household contact. Further study on network-informed tuberculosis case finding interventions is warranted.
The Business Case for Education Outreach
Authors: Cooper Martin
Published: August 2022

A career in the games industry can seem impossible. To fix that perception, Emma Smith, Head of Talent at Creative Assembly introduces Martin Cooper MBCS to Creative Assembly’s Legacy Programme.
What is the Future of Gaming?
Authors: Jayasingha Buddhika
Published: August 2022

The gaming industry is changing, and it’s changing fast, writes Buddhika Jayasingha, an IT specialist at Future Fish. Before we know it we’ll be playing new types of games in ways we’d never previously imagined.
Into the Rabbit Hole: How Extremists are Seeking to Exploit Gaming
Authors: Schlegel Linda
Published: August 2022

Linda Schlegel, academic and the Extremism and Gaming Research Network (EGRN)’s founding member explores the link between gaming and radicalisation.
Trusting Machines to Defend Against Humans
Authors: Clark Tim
Published: August 2022

A threat is looming. In cyber security, there is always a threat looming, writes Tim Clark, software engineer, cyber consultant and defender against the dark arts.
What are Smart Contracts and How Do They Work?
Authors: Ma Alan
Published: August 2022

Dr Alan Ma MBCS, qualified in IT, engineering, and law, explores blockchain-enabled smart contracts. Dr Ma is a law lecturer at Birmingham City University.
Is the Data Fabric a Secret to Bypassing Data Silos?
Authors: Klarman Szymon
Published: August 2022

Szymon Klarman, Chief Knowledge Architect at BlackSwan Technologies, explains how enterprises can make the most of their data without the need for a seismic architectural shift
Minimally invasive approach compared to resternotomy for mitral valve surgery in patients with prior cardiac surgery: retrospective multicentre study based on the Netherlands Heart Registration
Authors: Olsthoorn Jules R , Heuts Samuel , Houterman Saskia , Maessen Jos G , Sardari Nia Peyman ,   Cardiothoracic Surgery Registration Committee of the Netherlands Heart Registration, Bramer S , van Boven W J P , Vonk A B A , Koene B M J A , Bekkers J A , Hoohenkerk G J F , Markou A L P , de Weger A , Segers P , Porta F , Speekenbrink R G H , Stooker W , Li W W L , Daeter E J , van der Kaaij N P , Douglas Y
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVES

Mitral valve (MV) surgery after prior cardiac surgery is conventionally performed through resternotomy and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Alternatively, MV can be approached minimally invasively [minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS)], but longer-term follow-up of this approach for MV surgery after prior cardiac surgery is lacking. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to evaluate short- and mid-term outcomes of MIMVS versus MV surgery through resternotomy in patients with prior sternotomy, using a nationwide registry.

METHODS

Patients undergoing isolated MV surgery after prior cardiac surgery between 2013 and 2018 were included. Primary outcomes were short-term morbidity and mortality and mid-term survival. Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to investigate the association between surgical approach and mortality. Propensity score matching was used to correct for potential confounders.

RESULTS

In total, 290 patients underwent MV surgery after prior cardiac surgery, of whom 205 patients were operated through resternotomy and 85 patients through MIMVS. No significant differences in 30-day mortality (3.4% vs 2%, P = 0.99) were observed between both groups. Five-year survival was 86.3% in the resternotomy group, compared to 89.4% in the MIMVS group (log-rank P = 0.45). In the multivariable analysis, surgical approach showed no relation with mid-term mortality [hazard ratio 0.73 (0.34–1.60); P = 0.44]. A lower incidence of prolonged intubation and new-onset arrhythmia was observed in MIMVS.

CONCLUSIONS

MV surgery after prior cardiac surgery has excellent short- and mid-term results in the Netherlands, and MIMVS and resternotomy appear to be equally efficacious. MIMVS is associated with a lower incidence of new-onset arrhythmia and prolonged intubation.
Heart Disease Self-management for African American Older Adults: Outcomes of an Adapted Evidence-Based Intervention
Authors: Janevic Mary R , Ramsay Jessica E , Allgood Kristi L , Domazet Aida , Cardozo Shaun , Connell Cathleen M
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives

To assess the impact of an evidence-based self-management intervention adapted through a community-engaged process for African American midlife and older adults with heart disease and/or cardiovascular risk factors.

Research Design and Methods

Adults 50 years and over, living in or near Detroit, MI, with diagnosed heart disease or greater or equal to two major risk factors for heart disease, were randomized to a 7-week group-format program called Take Heart, or a usual-care control group. Take Heart included education about heart disease and support for behavioral lifestyle change, using a goal-setting process based on self-regulation theory. Outcome data were collected via telephone surveys at baseline and 1 year from baseline. Primary outcomes were self-reported emergency department visits and hospitalizations in the last year. Secondary outcomes were health-related quality of life (PROMIS-29 Adult Profile) and cardiac symptom burden.

Results

A total of 453 participants enrolled (74% female, 84% African American, mean age 65.4 years; 55% with diagnosed heart disease and 45% with risk factors only); 362 provided baseline and follow-up data. Using generalized linear and binomial regression models, at 12-month follow-up, there were no significant differences between intervention and control groups in ED visits or hospitalizations. Intervention versus control participants had greater improvements in PROMIS fatigue (p = .003) and sleep (p = .04) subscales as well as cardiac symptom burden (p = .04).

Discussion and Implications

The Take Heart intervention was associated with modest improvements in sleep, fatigue, and cardiac symptom burden. Take Heart was well received and has potential for dissemination by agencies serving older adults.

Clinical Trial Registration Number: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02950818
Temporal changes of seismicity in Salton Sea Geothermal Field due to distant earthquakes and geothermal productions
Authors: Li Chenyu , Peng Zhigang , Yao Dongdong , Meng Xiaofeng , Zhai Qiushi
Published: August 2022

The Salton Sea Geothermal Field (SSGF) is one of the most seismically active and geothermally productive fields in California. Here we present a detailed analysis of short-term seismicity change in SSGF from 2008 to 2013 during and right following large distant earthquakes, as well as long-term seismicity change due to geothermal productions. We first apply a GPU-based waveform matched-filter technique (WMFT) to the continuous data recorded by the Calenergy Borehole (EN) Network and detect more than 70 000 new micro-earthquakes than listed in the standard Southern California Seismic Network catalogue. We then analyse the seismicity rate changes in the SSGF associated with transient stress fluctuations triggered by regional and large teleseismic earthquakes from 1999 to 2019. We find triggered seismicity in the SSGF following seven regional M > 5.5 earthquakes. In comparison, most teleseismic earthquakes with M > 8.0 did not trigger significant seismicity rate change in the SSGF, likely indicating a frequency dependence in remote dynamic triggering. We further characterize the correlation between the long-term seismicity rate and geothermal production rates, and the temporal and spatial distribution of Guttenberg–Richter b-values inside and outside the SSGF with the newly detected catalogue. The long-term seismicity shows that events with M > 1.5 are likely correlated with net production rates, while smaller events do not show any correlation. The b-values inside the SSGF are higher than those outside the SSGF, and the locations of dynamically triggered events are close to locations with high b-values.
An empirical comparison of the Extended Parallel Process Model with the Terror Management Health Model
Authors: Hunt David M , Shehryar Omar
Published: August 2022

The Extended Parallel Process Model posits that fear-appeal messages are processed only when message recipients perceive a critical level of threat. The more recent Terror Management Health Model suggests that, in addition to level of perceived threat, the nature of the threat also influences how target audiences process fear appeals. Specifically, fear appeals that utilize the threat of death as a consequence trigger both conscious and nonconscious responses that influence message recipients’ health-related decisions. Accounting for the influence of consciousness of death helps explain maladaptive responses that extant theory has been unable to explain. Results from an experiment indicate that, when the level of perceived fear was the same across participants, the Extended Parallel Process Model successfully predicted persuasive outcomes for fear appeals that utilized the threat of arrest or serious injury as a consequence of noncompliance. However, for fear appeals that utilized the threat of death as a consequence of noncompliance, as predicted by the Terror Management Health Model, ego involvement in the health-related behavior predicted persuasive outcomes more accurately than the dual fear control and danger control processes. These findings suggest that incorporating consciousness of death and ego involvement can avoid conceptual problems with the level-of-fear construct, provide a meaningful way to predict fear-appeal responses across target audiences, and explain maladaptive responses that have eluded the explanations of extant fear-appeal theories.
Equations and Character Sums with Matrix Powers, Kloosterman Sums over Small Subgroups, and Quantum Ergodicity
Authors: Ostafe Alina , Shparlinski Igor E , Voloch José Felipe
Published: August 2022

We obtain a nontrivial bound on the number of solutions to the equation $$ \begin{align*} &\sum_{i=1}^{\nu} A^{x_i} = \sum_{i=\nu+1}^{2\nu} A^{x_i}, \qquad 1 \leqslant x_i \leqslant \tau, \end{align*}$$with a fixed $n\times n$ matrix $A$ over a finite field ${{\mathbb {F}}}_q$ of $q$ elements of multiplicative order $\tau $. We apply our result to obtain a new bound for additive character sums with a matrix exponential function, nontrivial beyond the square-root threshold. For $n=2$, this equation has been considered by Kurlberg and Rudnick (for $\nu =2$) and Bourgain (for large $\nu $) in their study of quantum ergodicity for linear maps over residue rings. We use a new approach to improve their results and also obtain a bound on Kloosterman sums over small subgroups, of size below the square-root threshold.
Enterobacterales high-risk clones and plasmids spreading blaESBL/AmpC and blaOXA-48 genes within and between hospitalized dogs and their environment
Authors: Haenni Marisa , Boulouis Henri Jean , Lagrée Anne Claire , Drapeau Antoine , Va Florence , Billet Mégane , Châtre Pierre , Madec Jean Yves
Published: August 2022

Background

Compared with healthcare settings, the role of veterinary hospitals in the spread of extended-spectrum cephalosporin- and carbapenem-resistant (ESC-R/CP-R) bacteria has been overlooked.

Objectives

To investigate using genome-based approaches the dynamics of ESC-R and CP-R Enterobacterales among 125 dogs admitted to the same veterinary hospital over a 4 month period.

Methods

Dogs (n = 125) were sampled within 48 h of admission and at discharge. ESC-R/CP-R were phenotypically characterized and whole-genome sequenced using short- and long-read technologies. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using appropriate pipelines.

Results

ESC-R/CP-R prevalence in dogs was 4.8% (6/125) upon admission and reached 24.8% (31/125) at discharge, reflecting multiple acquisitions of ESBL/AmpC and OXA-48-positive Enterobacterales during hospitalization. Indistinguishable or closely related isolates were found within dogs, shared between dogs, and shared between dogs and their environment, suggesting numerous clonal and plasmid spreads. Even though carbapenems are not licensed for use in companion animals, a wide distribution of the blaOXA-48/IncL plasmid was evidenced across different bacterial species and dogs.

Conclusions

This study highlights nosocomial acquisitions of ESBL/AmpC and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales by companion animals and the risk of further transmission within the community in a One Health perspective. Reinforced infection prevention and control measures and screening procedures are urgently needed in small animal veterinary settings where advanced therapeutics and intensive care is provided.
Maybe they had a bad day: how LGBTQ and BIPOC patients react to bias in healthcare and struggle to speak out
Authors: Apodaca Calvin , Casanova-Perez Reggie , Bascom Emily , Mohanraj Deepthi , Lane Cezanne , Vidyarthi Drishti , Beneteau Erin , Sabin Janice , Pratt Wanda , Weibel Nadir , Hartzler Andrea L
Published: August 2022

Objective

People who experience marginalization, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus (ie, all other marginalized genders and sexual orientations) people (LGBTQ+) experience discrimination during healthcare interactions, which negatively impacts patient–provider communication and care. Yet, scarce research examines the lived experience of unfair treatment among patients from marginalized groups to guide patient-centered tools that improve healthcare equity.

Materials and Methods

We interviewed 25 BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ people about their experiences of unfair treatment and discrimination when visiting healthcare providers. Through thematic analysis, we describe participants’ immediate reactions and longer-term consequences of those experiences.

Results

We identified 4 ways that participants reacted to discrimination in the moment: Fighting, Fleeing, Excusing, and Working Around Bias. Long-term consequences reflect 6 ways they coped: Delaying or Avoiding Care, Changing Healthcare Providers, Self-prescribing, Covering Behaviors, Experiencing Health Complications, and Mistrusting Healthcare Institutions.

Discussion

By describing how patients react to experiences of unfair treatment and discrimination, our findings enhance the understanding of health disparities as patients cope and struggle to speak out.

To combat these problems, we identify 3 future directions for informatics interventions that improve provider behavior, support patient advocacy, and address power dynamics in healthcare.

Conclusions

BIPOC and LGBTQ+ patients’ perspectives on navigating unfair treatment and discrimination in healthcare offers critical insight into their experiences and long-term consequences of those experiences. Understanding the circumstances and consequences of unfair treatment, discrimination, and the impact of bias through this patient-centered lens is crucial to inform informatics technologies that promote health equity.
Children’s mobile communicative practices and locational privacy
Authors: Özkul Didem
Published: August 2022

Children start using smartphones increasingly from early ages. This makes it more difficult for them to develop an understanding of online privacy and managing their personal data. Many parents monitor and regulate children’s online media use. However, they also encourage using smartphones to ensure the safety and security of their children. This study explores how children use smartphones in relation to their understanding of privacy of communication, content, data, and location. It examines data from 7 focus groups with arts-based methods conducted with 37 children in UK. The findings suggest that children think of their smartphones as a private communication technology and a private place, and they manage their locational privacy based on the necessity of using a mobile app and through adjusting the location settings on their phones. The findings also suggest that privacy of mobile data and user content are dependent on where mobile communication takes place.
Strong ground-motion prediction equations from induced earthquakes in St. Gallen geothermal field, Switzerland
Authors: Sharma Nitin , Convertito Vincenzo , De Matteis Raffaella , Capuano Paolo
Published: August 2022

Ground shaking, whether it is due to natural or induced earthquakes, has always been a matter of concern since it correlates with structural/non-structural damage and can culminate in human anxiety. Industrial activities such as water injection, gas sequestration and waste fluid disposals, promote induced seismicity and consequent ground shaking that can hinder ongoing activities. Therefore, keeping in mind the importance of timely evaluation of a seismic hazard and its mitigation for societal benefits, the present study proposes specifically designed ground-motion prediction equations (GMPEs) from induced earthquakes in the St. Gallen geothermal area, Switzerland. The data analysed in this study consist of 343 earthquakes with magnitude −1.17 ≤ ML, corr ≤ 3.5 and hypocentral distance between 4 and 15 km. The proposed study is one of the first to incorporate ground motions from negative magnitude earthquakes for the development of GMPEs. The GMPEs are inferred with a two-phase approach. In the first phase, a reference model is obtained by considering the effect of source and medium properties on the ground motion. In the second phase the final model is obtained by including a site/station effect. The comparison between the GMPEs obtained in the present study with GMPEs developed for the other induced seismicity environments highlights a mismatch that is ascribed to differences in regional seismic environment and local site conditions of the respective regions. This suggests that, when dealing with induced earthquakes, GMPEs specific for the study should be inferred and used for both monitoring purposes and seismic hazard analyses.
Role of Genes in Regulating Host Plants Expansion in Tephritid Fruit Flies (Diptera) and Potential for RNAi-Based Control
Authors: Shi Wei , Ye Hui , Roderick George , Cao Jun , Kerdelhué Carole , Han Peng
Published: August 2022

Host plant expansion is an important survival strategy for tephritids as they expand their range. Successful host expansion requires tephritids to adapt to the chemical and nonchemical properties of a novel host fruit, such as fruit color, phenology, and phytochemicals. These plant properties trigger a series of processes in tephritids, with each process having its own genetic basis, which means that various genes are involved in regulating host plant expansion by tephritids. This review summarizes current knowledge on the categories and roles of genes involved in host plant expansion in several important tephritid species, including genes related to chemoreception (olfactory and gustation), vision, digestion, detoxification, development, ribosomal and energy metabolism. Chemoreception- and detoxification- and digestion-related genes are stimulated by volatile chemicals and secondary chemicals of different hosts, respectively, which are involved in the regulation of nervous signal transduction that triggers behavioral, physical, and chemical responses to the novel host fruit. Vision-, nerve-, and development-related genes and metabolism-associated genes are activated in response to nonchemical stimuli from different hosts, such as color and phenology, to regulate a comprehensive adaptation of the extending host for tephritids. The chemical and nonchemical signals of hosts activate ribosomal and energy-related genes that result in the basic regulation of many processes of host expansion, including detoxification and development. These genes do not regulate novel host use individually, but multiple genes regulate multilevel adaptation to novel host fruits via multiple mechanisms. These genes may also be potential target genes for RNAi-based control of tephritid pests.
Surveying Diverse Subpopulations in Refugee Studies: Reflections on Sampling, Implementation, and Translation Strategies Drawn from Experiences with a Regional Quantitative Survey on Refugee Parents in Germany
Authors: Wenzel Laura , Husen Onno , Sandermann Philipp
Published: August 2022

Conducting a survey with refugee populations involves particular challenges. Among these challenges, sampling, implementation and survey translation are crucial. This becomes even more obvious when trying to access hard-to-survey subgroups of a larger refugee population. This paper demonstrates possible ways of addressing sampling, implementation and translation problems and some of the associated pitfalls based on the example of a quantitative survey intended for refugee parents in the state of Lower Saxony/Germany. First, we argue that based on the need to collect representative data, adjusting the target population may be one way to respond to the lack of a sampling frame for the original target population. Second, we reason that under unforeseen circumstances, such as an ongoing pandemic, ad-hoc changes may be needed in implementation strategies, and we shed light on some disadvantages of self-administered web-based surveys in refugee studies. Third, we claim that surveys involving linguistically and culturally diverse refugee populations benefit to large extent from using a modified variant of the team translation approach (TRAPD). In our conclusion, we critically reflect on adaptable strategies for ensuring well-defined samples, a reasoned implementation and translation practice that meet the challenges of representing a distinct refugee population’s diversity.
FLASH pilot survey: detections of associated 21 cm H i absorption in GAMA galaxies at 0.42 < z < 1.00
Authors: Su Renzhi , Sadler Elaine M , Allison James R , Mahony Elizabeth K , Moss Vanessa A , Whiting Matthew T , Yoon Hyein , Aditya J N H S , Bellstedt Sabine , Robotham Aaron S G , Garratt-Smithson Lilian , Gu Minfeng , Koribalski Bärbel S , Soria Roberto , Weng Simon
Published: August 2022

We present the results of a search for associated 21 cm H i absorption at redshift 0.42 < z < 1.00 in radio-loud galaxies from three Galaxy And Mass Assembly (GAMA) survey fields. These observations were carried out as part of a pilot survey for the Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) First Large Absorption Survey in H i (FLASH). From a sample of 326 radio sources with 855.5 MHz peak flux density above 10 mJy, we detected two associated H i absorption systems, in SDSS J090331+010847 at z = 0.522 and SDSS J113622+004852 at z = 0.563. Both galaxies are massive (stellar mass $\gt 10^{11}\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$) and have optical spectra characteristic of luminous red galaxies, though spectral energy distribution fitting implies that SDSS J113622+004852 contains a dust-obscured starburst with star formation rate ∼69 M⊙ yr−1. The H i absorption lines have a high optical depth, with τpk of 1.77 ± 0.16 for SDSS J090331+010847 (the highest value for any z > 0.1 associated system found to date) and 0.14 ± 0.01 for SDSS J113622+004852. In the redshift range probed by our ASKAP observations, the detection rate for associated H i absorption lines (with τpk > 0.1 and at least 3σ significance) is $2.9_{-2.6}^{+9.7}$ per cent. Although the current sample is small, this rate is consistent with a trend seen in other studies for a lower detection rate of associated 21 cm H i absorption systems at higher redshift. We also searched for OH absorption lines at 0.67 < z < 1.34, but no detection was made in the 145 radio sources searched.
Exploring the physical properties of lensed star-forming clumps at 2 ≲ z ≲ 6
Authors: Meštrić U , Vanzella E , Zanella A , Castellano M , Calura F , Rosati P , Bergamini P , Mercurio A , Meneghetti M , Grillo C , Caminha G B , Nonino M , Merlin E , Cupani G , Sani E
Published: August 2022

We study the physical properties (size, stellar mass, luminosity, and star formation rate) and scaling relations for a sample of 166 star-forming clumps with redshift z ∼ 2–6.2. They are magnified by the Hubble Frontier Field galaxy cluster MACS J0416 and have robust lensing magnification (2 ≲ μ ≲ 82) computed by using our high-precision lens model, based on 182 multiple images. Our sample extends by ∼3 times the number of spectroscopically confirmed lensed clumps at z ≳ 2. We identify clumps in ultraviolet continuum images and find that, whenever the effective spatial resolution (enhanced by gravitational lensing) increases, they fragment into smaller entities, likely reflecting the hierarchically organized nature of star formation. Kpc-scale clumps, most commonly observed in field, are not found in our sample. The physical properties of our sample extend the parameter space typically probed by z ≳ 1 field observations and simulations, by populating the low mass (M⋆ ≲ 107 M⊙), low star formation rate (SFR ≲ 0.5 M⊙ yr−1), and small size (Reff ≲ 100 pc) regime. The new domain probed by our study approaches the regime of compact stellar complexes and star clusters. In the mass–size plane, our sample spans the region between galaxies and globular clusters, with a few clumps in the region populated by young star clusters and globular clusters. For the bulk of our sample, we measure star formation rates which are higher than those observed locally in compact stellar systems, indicating different conditions for star formation at high redshift than in the local Universe.
The impact of a massive Sagittarius dSph on GD-1-like streams
Authors: Dillamore Adam M , Belokurov Vasily , Evans N Wyn , Price-Whelan Adrian M
Published: August 2022

We investigate the effects of a massive ($\gtrsim 4\times 10^{10}\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$) Sagittarius dwarf spheroidal galaxy (Sgr) on stellar streams using test particle simulations in a realistic Milky Way potential. We find that Sgr can easily disrupt streams formed more than ∼3 Gyr ago, while stars stripped more recently are generally unaffected. In certain realizations, Sgr is able to produce asymmetry between the leading and trailing tails of Pal 5, qualitatively similar to observations. Using data from the Gaia space telescope and elsewhere, we fit models to the GD-1 stream in the presence of a Sgr with various initial masses. While the best-fitting models do show perturbations resulting from interactions with Sgr, we find that the level of disruption is not significantly greater than in the observed stream. To investigate the general effects of Sgr on a population of streams, we generate 1000 mock streams on GD-1-like orbits with randomized orientations. Some streams show clear evidence of disruption, becoming folded on the sky or developing asymmetry between their two tails. However, many survive unaffected and the peak surface brightness of stars is decreased by no more than ∼0.3 mag arcsec−2 on average. We conclude that Sgr having an initial mass of $\gtrsim 4\times 10^{10}\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ is compatible with the survival and detection of streams formed more than 3 Gyr ago.
No evidence that endohelminth parasites cause selection against hybrid orioles across the Baltimore–Bullock’s Oriole hybrid zone
Authors: Rohwer Vanya G , Callan Lea M , Kinsella John M , Ligon Russell A
Published: August 2022

The Baltimore–Bullock’s Oriole hybrid zone is one of the best-studied avian hybrid zones in North America, yet our understanding of the causes of selection against hybrids remains poor. We examine if endohelminth parasites may cause selection against hybrid orioles but found no evidence for this hypothesis. Of the 139 male orioles we examined, 43 individuals contained endohelminth parasites from at least 1 of these groups: Cestoda, Acanthocephala, or Nematoda. Across the hybrid zone, Baltimore Orioles (Icterus galbula) and Bullock’s Orioles (I. bullockii) differed in their parasite communities, such that Baltimore Orioles frequently contained both Acanthocephala and Cestoda parasites whereas Bullock’s Orioles primarily contained Cestoda parasites. Despite these differences in parasite communities between parental species, the frequency of hybrid orioles with parasites was similar to parentals, suggesting that hybrids were as susceptible to endohelminth parasites as parentals. Using a subset of 99 adult male orioles, we explored how parasites may be associated with the expression of orange carotenoid-based plumage in hybrids and parentals. Associations between carotenoid-based plumage color and parasites were most strongly expressed in Bullock’s Orioles, but patterns were subtle and counterintuitive because individuals with parasites often had more enhanced color measures compared to individuals without parasites. Taken together, these data suggest that endohelminth parasites impose little fitness costs to male orioles on the breeding grounds and likely do not cause selection against hybrids.
Assessing the determinants of smallholder cocoa farmers’ adoption of agronomic practices for climate change adaptation in Ghana
Authors: Yiridomoh Gordon Yenglier , Bonye Samuel Ziem , Derbile Emmanuel K
Published: August 2022

Over the years, cocoa has been the bedrock of the Ghanaian economy and a source of livelihood for most cocoa farming households. Empirical studies have established that cocoa farmers have begun to adopt various agronomic measures for climate change adaptation. However, factors that influence farmers’ decisions to adopt these agronomic practices to enable successful adaptation to climate change are least investigated. The study aimed at investigating smallholder cocoa farmers’ decisions to adopt agronomic practices for climate change adaptation in Ghana. The study adopted a mixed method approach to research, and involved 259 cocoa farmers. Using the thematic and multivariate probit regression model (MVP) to data analysis, the results revealed that farmers’ decisions to adopt soil conservation, pruning/shade management and planting of new crop varieties are determined by a number of mixed factors including access to agricultural land, access to credit, farmer farm experience and access to extension services. The study recommends the need for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources together with the traditional authorities and other relevant land sector agencies to develop and implement context-specific and appropriate land-use policy strategies that support access to sustainable land for adoption of climate smart agricultural practices. Again, the study recommends the need for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to deploy more extension agents into rural cocoa farming communities to take farmers through more pragmatic agronomic practices for climate change adaptation and improves returns in investment in cocoa farming.
Systematic Identification and Categorization of Opioid Prescribing and Dispensing Policies in 16 States and Washington, DC
Authors: Andraka-Christou Barbara , McAvoy Elizabeth , Ohama Maggie , Smart Rosanna , Vaiana Mary E , Taylor Erin , Stein Bradley D
Published: August 2022

Objectives

State policies can impact opioid prescribing or dispensing. Some state opioid policies have been widely examined in empirical studies, including prescription drug monitoring programs and pain clinic licensure requirements. Other relevant policies might exist that have received limited attention. Our objective was to identify and categorize a wide range of state policies that could affect opioid prescribing/dispensing.

Methods

We used stratified random sampling to select 16 states and Washington, DC, for our sample. We collected state regulations and statutes effective during 2020 from each jurisdiction, using search terms related to opioids, pain management, and prescribing/dispensing. We then conducted qualitative template analysis of the data to identify and categorize policy categories.

Results

We identified three dimensions of opioid prescribing/dispensing laws: the prescribing/dispensing rule, its applicability, and its disciplinary consequences. Policy categories of prescribing/dispensing rules included clinic licensure, staff credentials, evaluating the appropriateness of opioids, limiting the initiation of opioids, preventing the diversion or misuse of opioids, and enhancing patient safety. Policy categories related to applicability of the law included the pain type, substance type, practitioner, setting, payer, and prescribing situation. The disciplinary consequences dimension included specific consequences and inspection processes.

Discussion

Policy categories within each dimension of opioid prescribing/dispensing laws could become a foundation for creating variables to support empirical analyses of policy effects, improving operationalization of policies in empirical studies, and helping to disentangle the effects of multiple state laws enacted at similar times to address the opioid crisis. Several of the policy categories we identified have been underexplored in previous empirical studies.
Field Pea (Pisum sativum) Germplasm Screening for Seedling Ascochyta Blight Resistance and Genome-Wide Association Studies Reveal Loci Associated with Resistance to Peyronellaea pinodes and Ascochyta koolunga
Authors: Lee Robert C. , Grime Christina R. , O'Driscoll Kane , Khentry Yuphin , Farfan-Caceres Lina M. , Tahghighi Hediyeh , Kamphuis Lars G.
Published: August 2022

Ascochyta blight is a damaging disease that affects the stems, leaves, and pods of field pea ( Pisum sativum) and impacts yield and grain quality. In Australia, field pea Ascochyta blight is primarily caused by the necrotrophic fungal species Peyronellaea pinodes and Ascochyta koolunga. In this study, we screened 1,276 Pisum spp. germplasm accessions in seedling disease assays with a mix of three isolates of P. pinodes and 641 accessions with three mixed isolates of A. koolunga (513 accessions were screened with both species). A selection of three P. sativum accessions with low disease scores for either pathogen, or in some cases both, were crossed with Australian field pea varieties PBA Gunyah and PBA Oura, and recombinant inbred line populations were made. Populations at the F3:4 and F4:5 generation were phenotyped for their disease response to P. pinodes and A. koolunga, and genotypes were determined using the diversity arrays technology genotyping method. Marker-trait associations were identified using a genome-wide association study approach. Trait-associated loci were mapped to the published P. sativum genome assembly, and candidate resistance gene analogues were identified in the corresponding genomic regions. One locus on chromosome 2 (LG1) was associated with resistance to P. pinodes, and the 8 Mb genomic region contains 156 genes, two of which are serine/threonine protein kinases, putatively contributing to the resistance trait. A second locus on chromosome 5 (LG3) was associated with resistance to A. koolunga, and the 35 Mb region contains 488 genes, of which five are potential candidate resistance genes, including protein kinases, a mitogen-activated protein kinase, and an ethylene-responsive protein kinase homolog.
Effects of Simvastatin on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis in Atherosclerotic Calcification
Authors: Li Jianhua , Zhao Libo , Zhou Zhe , Liu Lin , Zou Xiao , Xu Weihao , Fan Li , Yan Muyang , Wang Shengqi
Published: August 2022

Objective:

The effectiveness of statins in reducing atherosclerotic calcification remains controversial. The aim of this study was to confirm that simvastatin reduces atherosclerotic calcification and stabilizes plaque by restricting endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-mediated apoptosis.

Methods:

Twenty-four 8-week-old male apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-/- mice (C57BL/6J genetic background) were selected and randomly divided into model (n = 12) and simvastatin (n = 12) groups. Twelve male C57BL/6J mice were selected as control group (n = 12). The mice were adaptively fed for 2 weeks and were put on a high-fat diet thereafter. After 9 weeks, they were treated with simvastatin (20 mg/kg) or phosphate-buffered saline daily for 8 weeks. Aortic sinus samples were obtained from ApoE-/- and C57BL/6J mice for hematoxylin and eosin, von Kossa, alizarin Red S, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling, and immunohistochemical staining after in vivo treatment with simvastatin. In addition, mouse vascular smooth muscle cells were analyzed after exposure to simvastatin in vitro.

Results:

Administration of simvastatin in vivo drastically attenuated the atherosclerosis, calcification, and apoptosis, and decreased the serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The expression levels of glucose-regulated protein, 78 kDa (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and caspase 12 (CASP12) in the aortic sinus decreased in the simvastatin group compared with the model group. In vitro, simvastatin or simvastatin plus ERS inhibitor (taurine) attenuated calcification and apoptosis, and reduced the expression of ERS-related proteins GRP78, CHOP, and CASP12.

Conclusion:

Treatment with simvastatin suppressed atherosclerotic calcification. This effect may be mediated through the inhibition of ERS-related apoptosis.
Rationale and Design of a Randomized Controlled Trial of Bivalirudin with a Prolonged High-Dose Infusion Versus Heparin Monotherapy During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: The BRIGHT-4 Trial
Authors: Liang Zhenyang , Li Yi , Stone Gregg W. , Han Yaling
Published: August 2022

Intravenous anticoagulant therapy is critical to prevent ischemic events without increasing the risk of bleeding in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Heparin and bivalirudin are the most commonly used adjunctive anticoagulant agents during PPCI. However, the superiority of the 2 most optimal regimens with these agents in patients undergoing PPCI remains controversial. The BivaliRudin with prolonged high-dose Infusion durinG PPCI versus Heparin Trial 4 (BRIGHT-4) is a large-scale, prospective, multicenter, active-control, parallel-group, open-label, randomized trial designed to test whether bivalirudin with a post-PCI high-dose infusion is superior to heparin monotherapy in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI. A total of 6000 patients will be enrolled and randomly assigned to receive bivalirudin or heparin in a 1:1 ratio. Patients allocated to the bivalirudin group will be treated with a high-dose bivalirudin infusion (1.75 mg/(kg·h)) after PCI for 2 to 4 hours. In the heparin group, the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors will be reserved for the development of procedural thrombotic complications. The efficacy and safety of bivalirudin will be evaluated at 30 days, 6 months, and 12 months after the randomization. The primary endpoint is a composite of all-cause death or Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) types 3 to 5 bleeding at 30 days after randomization. The BRIGHT-4 study protocol has received approval from the ethics committee of General Hospital of Northern Theater Command (Shenyang, China). The procedures set out in this protocol are in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice guidelines. The results will be published following the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement in a peer-reviewed scientific journal (Trial registration number: NCT03822975).
Nasal Tip Depressor Manipulation through Upper Buccal Sulcus Approach in Selected Open Primary Rhinoplasties
Authors: Elgazzar Khaled , Elshahat Ahmed , Lashin Riham
Published: August 2022

Background:

During smiling, the prominent action of nasal tip depressors (NTDs) antagonizes the rhinoplasty nasal tip support maneuvers and favors scarring forces‚ pulling the nasal tip in a less projecting vector. The NTDs’ disinsertion is feasible through the open rhinoplasty approach. Yet, the reliability of the open approach to manipulate all NTD attachments is still questionable. The upper buccal sulcus approach (UBSA) is a reliable approach to manipulate variable anatomy of the NTDs.

Methods:

Thirty-two patients had primary open rhinoplasty between 2016 and 2020. All patients showed hyperactive NTDs during smile preoperatively. Through UBSA, disruption of NTDs was done. Aesthetic outcome was evaluated by comparing the pre/postoperative nasal tip projection (NTP) and nasolabial angle (NLA) in lateral views.

Results:

The sample included 28 women and four men, and the mean age was 30.7 years. The mean follow-up period was 23.8 months. Preoperatively, 53% (n = 17) of patients showed normal NTP measurements; this percentage increased to 87.5% (n = 28) postoperatively. The mean NLA for the 32 patients was 91.0 degrees preoperatively‚ which was increased to 102.5 degrees postoperatively. These aesthetic results were maintained throughout the follow-up period‚ with no significant increase in the incidence of complications.

Conclusions:

The combination of the UBSA with open rhinoplasty resulted in objective visualization and manipulation of the NTDs. This was proven by the maintained NTP and NLA in aesthetic optimum values throughout the follow-up period. We believe that UBSA can be safely combined with open rhinoplasty as a reliable hidden approach to manipulate hyperactive NTD cases.