bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The elimination of an artifact in the FLURZnrc-derived electron-fluence spectrum close to the Spencer-Attix-Nahum cut-off Δ
Authors: Kumar Sudhir , Sapra Balvinder K , Nahum Alan E
Published: March 2023

Objective. An artifact in the electron fluence, differential in energy, Φ

E
, computed by the EGSnrc Monte-Carlo user-code FLURZnrc, was identified and a methodology has been developed to eliminate it. This artifact manifests itself as an ‘unphysical’ increase in Φ

E
at energies close to the production threshold for knock-on electrons, AE; this in turn causes an over-estimation of the Spencer-Attix-Nahum (SAN) ‘track-end’ dose by a factor ∼1.5, thereby inflating the dose derived from the SAN cavity integral. For SAN cut-off Δ
SAN 
= 1 keV for 1 MeV and 10 MeV photons in water, aluminium and copper, with maximum fractional energy loss per step ESTEPE = 0.25 (default value), this anomalous increase in the SAN cavity-integral dose is of the order of 0.5%–0.7%. Approach. The dependence of Φ

E
on the value of AE (the maximum energy loss involved in the restricted electronic stopping power (dE/ds)
AE
) at or close to Δ
SAN was investigated; this was done for different values of ESTEPE. Main results. The error in the electron-fluence spectrum occurs when Δ
SAN is set close to or equal to AE; this error disappears (at the 0.1% level or better) if AE is set ≤ 0.5 × Δ
SAN. However, if ESTEPE ≤ 0.04 the error in the electron-fluence spectrum is negligible even when Δ
SAN = AE. Significance. An artifact in the FLURZnrc-derived electron fluence, differential in energy, at or close to electron energy AE has been identified. It is shown how this artifact can be avoided, thereby ensuring the accurate evaluation of the SAN cavity integral.
Modelling high-

Tc

electronics
Authors: Pegrum Colin
Published: March 2023

This Review examines methods to model Josephson devices such as arrays of superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) and rows within two-dimensional superconducting quantum interference filters or SQIFs. The emphasis is on high temperature superconducting (HTS) devices, though the techniques apply for any operating temperature. The methods use freely-available and proven software to first extract all self and mutual inductances of the thin-film device, and then to incorporate these data, plus junction models and thermal noise sources into an equivalent circuit for Josephson simulation. The inductance extraction stage also estimates the effective areas of each loop in a structure and also the variation of inductance as temperature changes, due to the varying penetration depth. The final post-processing stage can yield current–voltage, voltage-field and field spectral density responses. The Review also touches briefly on the simulation of a simple model for a terahertz single-junction HTS mixer and also looks at the behaviour of typical hysteretic and non-hysteric HTS RF SQUIDs.
Ga intercalation in van der Waals layers for advancing p-type Bi2Te3-based thermoelectrics
Authors: Chen Yiyuan , Shi Qing , Zhong Yan , Li Ruiheng , Lin Liwei , Ren Ding , Liu Bo , Ang Ran
Published: March 2023

Tetradymite-structured chalcogenides, such as Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3, are quasi-two-dimensional (2D) layered compounds, which are significant thermoelectric materials applied near room temperature. The intercalation of guest species in van der Waals (vdW) gap implemented for tunning properties has attracted much attention in recent years. We attempt to insert Ga atoms in the vdW gap between the Te layers in p-type Bi0.3Sb1.7Te3 (BST) for further improving thermoelectrics. The vdW-related defects (including extrinsic interstitial and intrinsic defects) induced by Ga intercalation can not only modulate the carrier concentration but also enhance the texture, thereby yielding excellent electrical properties, which are reflected in the power factor PF ∼ 4.43 mW⋅m−1⋅K−2. Furthermore, the intercalation of Ga produces multi-scale lattice imperfections such as point defects, Te precipitations, and nanopores, realizing the low lattice thermal conductivity in BST-Ga samples. Ultimately, a peak zT ∼ 1.1 at 373 K is achieved in the BST-1% Ga sample and greatly improved by ∼ 22% compared to the pristine BST. The weak bonding of vdW interlayer interaction can boost the synergistic effect for advancing BST-based or other layered thermoelectrics.
Dynamics of the pedestal in the recovery phase in EAST type-I ELM plasmas
Authors: Zhou H. , Xu Y. , Zhang T. , Cheng J. , Huang J. , Wang X.Q. , Liu H. , Liu H.F. , Zang Q. , Zhang X. , Tang C.J.
Published: March 2023

In the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak high-confinement mode plasmas, a low-frequency n = 1 magnetic coherent mode with frequency f = 20–50 kHz and a high-frequency mode with electromagnetic characteristics (HFEM, f ∼ 280 kHz) have been found between type-I edge localized modes (ELMs). Both the HFEM and the n = 1 mode are located in the pedestal region, but their radial locations seem to be somewhat different. It seems from the present data that the HFEM is closer to the maximum density gradient region, while the n = 1 mode may be closer to the separatrix. The experimental results demonstrate that the electron temperature recovers more rapidly than the pedestal density, and the n = 1 mode is excited in the pedestal after an ELM collapse. With the increase in the pedestal density, the HFEM appears and becomes dominant, while the amplitude of the n = 1 mode decreases significantly. The observations indicate that the HFEM may suppress the amplitude of the n = 1 mode. In the pre-ELM phase, the pedestal electron density and temperature are saturated, the characteristics of the HFEM show a significant change (a much broader frequency spectrum and reduced mode amplitude), and the n = 1 mode recovers again. Analysis using a wavelet bispectrum reveals that a nonlinear coupling between the n = 1 mode and the high-frequency magnetic fluctuations exists in the pre-ELM phase. The relations between the nonlinear mode coupling, the reappearance of the n = 1 mode and the ELM crash are discussed.
The potential impact of wildfire smoke on COVID-19 cumulative deaths in the San Diego-Tijuana border region
Authors: Schwarz Lara , Aguilera Rosana , Quiñones Javier Emmanuel Castillo , Aguilar-Dodier L C , Arellano García María Evarista , Benmarhnia Tarik
Published: March 2023

2020 broke records for the most active fire year on the West Coast, resulting in the worst air quality observed in decades. Concurrently, the public health threat of COVID-19 caused over 1 million deaths in the United States (US) and Mexico in 2020 and 2021. Due to the effect of air pollution on respiratory diseases, wildfire-specific particulate matter is a hypothesized driver of COVID-19 severity and death. Capitalizing on wildfire smoke that hit the San Diego-Tijuana border region in September 2020, we applied synthetic control methods to explore its potential differential role in affecting COVID-19 mortality on both sides of the border. Daily data on COVID-19 cumulative deaths for US counties were obtained from the CDC COVID tracker and data for Mexican municipalities was obtained from the Mexican Secretary of Health. Counties and municipalities with wildfire smoke exposure were identified using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hazard mapping smoke product (HMS); a day where 90% of the area was covered by smoke was considered exposed for the main analyses. Unexposed counties/municipalities were considered as potential controls. The San Diego-Tijuana border region was covered by dense smoke by the 7th of September; 707 COVID-19 deaths had occurred in San Diego and 1367 in Tijuana. While a slight increase in cumulative mortality was observed in San Diego, no change was found in Tijuana; neither estimate indicated a strong precise effect of wildfire smoke on COVID-19 mortality. We hope this study will serve as an illustration of how border contexts can be used to investigate differential vulnerability to wildfire smoke for infectious diseases. Examining the interactive effect of COVID-19 and smoke can help in recognizing the implications of these dual health risks which will be increasingly important as wildfires become more frequent and severe in the context of climate change.
Factors associated with disease-specific life impact in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: results from the Global VOICE project
Authors: Garg Amit , Rawal Sahil , Akilov Oleg , Alavi Afsaneh , Ardon Christine , Bechara Falk G , Cohen Arnon D , Cohen Steven R , Daveluy Steven , del Marmol Véronique , Delage Maïa , Esmann Solveig , Fisher Shani , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J , Glowaczewska Amelia , Goldfarb Noah , Brant Elena Gonzalez , Grimstad Øystein , Guilbault Sandra , Hamzavi Iltefat , Hughes Rosalind , Ingram John R , Jemec Gregor B E , Ju Qiang , Kappe Naomi , Kirby Brian , Kirby Joslyn S , Lowes Michelle A , Matusiak Lukasz , Micha Stella , Micheletti Robert G , Miller Angela P , Moseng Dagfinn , Naik Haley B , Nassif Aude , Nikolakis Georgios , Paek So Yeon , Pascual Jose Carlos , Prens Errol , Resnik Barry , Riad Hassan , Sayed Christopher , Smith Saxon D , Soliman Yssra , Szepietowski Jacek C , Tan Jerry , Thorlacius Linnea , Tzellos Thrasyvoulos , van der Zee Hessel H , Villumsen Bente , Wang Lanqi , Zouboulis Christos C , Strunk Andrew
Published: March 2023

Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa experience significant life impact related to their disease. Younger age, Black race, high BMI, active smoking, flares, depression, anxiety, high comorbidity burden, disability, and difficult access to a dermatologist adversely influence life impact related to having hidradenitis suppurativa. Attention to these factors, particularly modifiable ones, may reduce overall impact of disease.
Should concepts of brain functions be based on psychology or anatomy? An echo from Kurt Goldstein
Authors: Weiller Cornelius , Rijntjes Michel
Published: March 2023

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Joint impact on attention, alertness and inhibition of lesions at a frontal white matter crossroad’ by Kaufmann et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awac359).
Research progress in green synthesis of ammonia as hydrogen-storage carrier under ‘hydrogen 2.0 economy’
Authors: Li Ge , Ma Ziran , Zhao Jia , Zhou Jiali , Peng Shengpan , Li Yonglong , Wang Baodong
Published: March 2023

Hydrogen energy is characterized by its environmental friendliness, high efficiency, lack of carbon emissions and wide range of applications. However, its transportation and storage are challenges that limit further development of the hydrogen-energy industry. Ammonia is a carbon-free hydrogen-rich carrier. The storage of hydrogen in ammonia has unique advantages of high energy density, easy storage and transportation, reliable safety, a mature industrial foundation and no tail-end carbon emissions. However, industrial ammonia synthesis still heavily relies on the Haber–Bosch process, which accounts for significant energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the development of green and sustainable ammonia-synthesis methods is extremely important and urgent. Recently, ammonia-synthesis technologies such as electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis and biocatalysis have successfully produced ammonia from nitrogen and water, resulting in lower costs. The nitrogen-reduction-reaction conditions of these methods are mild and can be carried out under ambient temperatures and atmospheric pressure with low energy consumptions. Meanwhile, these methods bypass the traditional hydrogen-production section and their routes are simpler. Therefore, these technologies can be used to flexibly integrate renewable energy, including intermittent renewable energy, to achieve distributed ammonia synthesis. These benefits contribute to both global energy and environmental sustainability goals. In this study, the mechanisms of ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions are reviewed and the technical difficulties of various catalysts for ammonia synthesis are summarized. Based on the optimization strategies reported for various catalysts, the high-performing catalysts reported for ammonia synthesis are reviewed and the developmental trend of this field has been forecasted.
Vitamin C deficiency in osteogenic disorder Shionogi/Shi Jcl-od/od rats: effects on sour taste preferences, lick rates, chorda tympani nerve responses, and taste transduction elements
Authors: Yasuo Toshiaki , Nakamura Fumihiko , Suwabe Takeshi , Sako Noritaka
Published: March 2023

Animals use sour taste to avoid spoiled food and to choose foods containing vitamins and minerals. To investigate the response to sour taste substances during vitamin C (ascorbic acid; AA) deficiency, we conducted behavioral, neural, anatomical, and molecular biological experiments with osteogenic disorder Shionogi/Shi Jcl-od/od rats, which lack the ability to synthesize AA. Rats had higher 3 mM citric acid and 10 mM AA preference scores when AA-deficient than when replete. Licking rates for sour taste solutions [AA, citric acid, acetic acid, tartaric acid, and HCl] were significantly increased during AA deficiency relative to pre- and postdeficiency. Chorda tympani nerve recordings were conducted to evaluate organic acid taste responses in the AA-deficient and replete rats. Nerve responses to citric acid, acetic acid, and tartaric acid were significantly diminished in AA-deficient rats relative to replete controls. There was no significant difference in the number of fungiform papillae taste buds per unit area in the AA-deficient rats relative to the replete rats. However, mRNA expression levels of Gnat3 (NM_173139.1), Trpm5 (NM_001191896.1), Tas1r1 (NM_053305.1), Car4 (NM_019174.3), and Gad1 (NM_017007.1) in fungiform papillae taste bud cells from AA-deficient rats were significantly lower than those in replete rats. Our data suggest that AA deficiency decreases avoidance of acids and reduces chorda tympani nerve responses to acids. AA deficiency downregulates some taste-related genes in fungiform papillae taste bud cells. However, the results also reveal that the mRNA expression of some putative sour taste receptors in fungiform papillae taste bud cells is not affected by AA deficiency.
Intact FGF23 predicts serum phosphate improvement after combined nicotinamide and phosphate binder treatment in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Egli-Spichtig Daniela , Hamid Ahmad Kamal , Arroyo Eva Maria Pastor , Ketteler Markus , Wiecek Andrzej , Rosenkranz Alexander R , Pasch Andreas , Lorenz Horst , Hellmann Burkhard , Karus Michael , Ammer Richard , Rubio-Aliaga Isabel , Wagner Carsten A
Published: March 2023

Background

Hyperphosphatemia is associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular morbidity of end-stage kidney failure (ESKF) patients. Managing serum phosphate in ESKF patients is challenging and mostly based on limiting intestinal phosphate absorption with low phosphate diets and phosphate binders (PB). In a multi-centric, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study cohort of maintenance hemodialysis patients with hyperphosphatemia, we demonstrated the efficacy of nicotinamide modified release (NAMR) formulation treatment in addition to standard PB therapy in decreasing serum phosphate. Here we aimed to assess the relationship between phosphate, FGF23, inflammation and iron metabolism in this cohort.

Methods

We measured the plasma concentrations of intact fibroblast growth factor 23 (iFGF23) and selected proinflammatory cytokines at baseline and Week 12 after initiating treatment.

Results

We observed a strong correlation between iFGF23 and cFGF23 (C-terminal fragment plus iFGF23). We identified iFGF23 as a better predictor of changes in serum phosphate induced by NAMR and PB treatment compared with cFGF23. Recursive partitioning revealed at baseline and Week 12, that iFGF23 and cFGF23 together with T50 propensity were the most important predictors of serum phosphate, whereas intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) played a minor role in this model. Furthermore, we found serum phosphate and iPTH as the best predictors of iFGF23 and cFGF23. Sex, age, body mass index, and markers of inflammation and iron metabolism had only a minor impact in predicting FGF23.

Conclusion

Lowering serum phosphate in ESKF patients may depend highly on iFGF23 which is correlated to cFGF23 levels. Serum phosphate was the most important predictor of plasma FGF23 in this ESKF cohort.
Acute myocardial infarction due to traumatic coronary artery dissection: conflicts with thrombotic and bleeding pathologies
Authors: Yoshida Chiaki , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Kato Chiharu , Takaya Tomofumi
Published: March 2023

Traumatic coronary artery dissection is a rare and challenging condition, requiring treatments for both thrombus and haemorrhage. We present a unique case of traumatic coronary artery dissection in which intra-aortic balloon pumping without heparin usage was useful in the acute traumatic phase of haemorrhagic shock with a contraindication to anti-thrombotic therapy.
The importance of being the morning case in adult cardiac surgery: a propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Ranucci Marco , Casalino Stefano , Frigiola Alessandro , Diena Marco , Parolari Alessandro , Boveri Sara , Menicanti Lorenzo , De Vincentiis Carlo
Published: March 2023

OBJECTIVES

The quality of the outcome after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass depends on the patient demographics, co-morbidities, complexity of the surgical procedure and expertise of surgeons and the whole staff. The purpose of the present study is to analyse the timing of surgery (morning versus afternoon) with respect to morbidity and mortality in adult cardiac surgery.

METHODS

The primary end point was the incidence of major morbidity defined according to a modified Society of Thoracic Surgeon criterion. We consecutively included all the adult (>18 years) patients receiving a cardiac surgery operation at our Institution.

RESULTS

From 2017 through 2019, a total of 4003 cardiac surgery patients were operated. With a propensity-matching technique a final patient population of 1600 patients was selected, with 800 patients in the first-case surgery group and 800 in the second-case surgery group. Patients in the second-case group had a major morbidity rate of 13% vs 8.8% in the first-case group (P = 0.006), and a higher rate of 30-day mortality (4.1% vs 2.3%, P = 0.033). After correction for EuroSCORE and operating surgeon, the second-case group confirmed a higher rate of major morbidity (odds ratio 1.610, 95% confidence interval 1.16–2.23, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that patients operated as second cases are exposed to an increased morbidity and mortality probably due to fatigue, loss of attention and hurriedness in the operating room and decreased human resources in the intensive care unit.
Peri-procedural anticoagulation in patients with end-stage kidney disease undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation: results from the multicentre end-stage kidney disease–atrial fibrillation ablation registry
Authors: Yamamoto Tasuku , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Tanaka Yasuaki , Kono Toshikazu , Nakata Tadanori , Mizukami Akira , Aoyama Daisetsu , Arai Hirofumi , Taomoto Yuta , Horie Tomoki , Hojo Rintaro , Kawamoto Shiho , Yabe Kento , Akiyoshi Kikou , Kato Nobutaka , Ono Yuichi , Suzuki Atsushi , Fukamizu Seiji , Nagata Yasutoshi , Yamauchi Yasuteru , Tada Hiroshi , Hachiya Hitoshi , Inaba Osamu , Takahashi Atsushi , Goya Masahiko , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: March 2023

Aims

The optimal anticoagulation regimen in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation is unknown. We sought to describe the real-world practice of peri-procedural anticoagulation management in patients with ESKD undergoing AF ablation.

Methods and results

Patients with ESKD on haemodialysis undergoing catheter ablation for AF in 12 referral centres in Japan were included. The international normalized ratio (INR) before and 1 and 3 months after ablation was collected. Peri-procedural major haemorrhagic events as defined by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, as well as thromboembolic events, were adjudicated. A total of 347 procedures in 307 patients (67 ±9 years, 40% female) were included. Overall, INR values were grossly subtherapeutic [1.58 (interquartile range: 1.20–2.00) before ablation, 1.54 (1.22–2.02) at 1 month, and 1.22 (1.01–1.71) at 3 months]. Thirty-five patients (10%) suffered major complications, the majority of which was major bleeding (19 patients; 5.4%), including 11 cardiac tamponade (3.2%). There were two peri-procedural deaths (0.6%), both related to bleeding events. A pre-procedural INR value of 2.0 or higher was the only independent predictor of major bleeding [odds ratio, 3.3 (1.2–8.7), P = 0.018]. No cerebral or systemic thromboembolism occurred.

Conclusion

Despite most patients with ESKD undergoing AF ablation showing undertreatment with warfarin, major bleeding events are common while thromboembolic events are rare.
Bmp-signaling and the finfold size in zebrafish: implications for the fin-to-limb transition
Authors: Cadete Francisco , Francisco Miguel , Freitas Renata
Published: March 2023

In tetrapods, BMP-signaling coordinates limb outgrowth, skeleton patterning, and apoptosis during the formation of their typical autopod structures, the digits. In addition, inhibition of BMP signaling during mouse limb development leads to the persistence and enlargement of an important signaling center, the apical ectodermal ridge (AER), and consequent digit defects. Interestingly, during fish fin development there is a natural elongation of the AER, rapidly converted into an apical finfold (FF), in which osteoblasts differentiate into dermal fin-rays used in aquatic locomotion. Previous reports have led us to suggest that upregulation of Hox13 genes in the distal fin mesenchyme, caused by the origin of novel enhancer modules, may have caused an increment of the BMP signaling potentially leading to the apoptosis of these osteoblasts precursors of the fin-rays. To explore this hypothesis, we characterized the expression of several components of the BMP signaling in zebrafish lines with distinct FF sizes (bmp2b, smad1, smoc1, smoc2, grem1a, msx1b, msx2b, Psamd1/5/9). Our data suggest that the BMP signaling is enhanced in shorter FFs and inhibited in longer FFs, as implied by the differential expression of several components of this network. In addition, we detected an earlier expression of several of these BMP-signaling components associated with the development of short FFs and the opposite tendency during the development of longer FFs. Thus, our results suggest that a heterochronic shift, involving enhanced Hox13 expression and BMP signaling may have caused the reduction of the FF size during the evolutionary transition from fish fins to tetrapod limbs.
Potential Anti-Mpox Virus Activity of Atovaquone, Mefloquine, and Molnupiravir, and Their Potential Use as Treatments
Authors: Akazawa Daisuke , Ohashi Hirofumi , Hishiki Takayuki , Morita Takeshi , Iwanami Shoya , Kim Kwang Su , Jeong Yong Dam , Park Eun-Sil , Kataoka Michiyo , Shionoya Kaho , Mifune Junki , Tsuchimoto Kana , Ojima Shinjiro , Azam Aa Haeruman , Nakajima Shogo , Park Hyeongki , Yoshikawa Tomoki , Shimojima Masayuki , Kiga Kotaro , Iwami Shingo , Maeda Ken , Suzuki Tadaki , Ebihara Hideki , Takahashi Yoshimasa , Watashi Koichi
Published: March 2023

Background

Mpox virus (MPXV) is a zoonotic orthopoxvirus and caused an outbreak in 2022. Although tecovirimat and brincidofovir are approved as anti-smallpox drugs, their effects in mpox patients have not been well documented. In this study, by a drug repurposing approach, we identified potential drug candidates for treating mpox and predicted their clinical impacts by mathematical modeling.

Methods

We screened 132 approved drugs using an MPXV infection cell system. We quantified antiviral activities of potential drug candidates by measuring intracellular viral DNA and analyzed the modes of action by time-of-addition assay and electron microscopic analysis. We further predicted the efficacy of drugs under clinical concentrations by mathematical simulation and examined combination treatment.

Results

Atovaquone, mefloquine, and molnupiravir exhibited anti-MPXV activity, with 50% inhibitory concentrations of 0.51–5.2 μM, which was more potent than cidofovir. Whereas mefloquine was suggested to inhibit viral entry, atovaquone and molnupiravir targeted postentry processes. Atovaquone was suggested to exert its activity through inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. Combining atovaquone with tecovirimat enhanced the anti-MPXV effect of tecovirimat. Quantitative mathematical simulations predicted that atovaquone can promote viral clearance in patients by 7 days at clinically relevant drug concentrations.

Conclusions

These data suggest that atovaquone would be a potential candidate for treating mpox.
Scaling up quality in an anesthesia practice
Authors: Dutton Richard P , Swygert Thomas H , Maloney Matthew , Azam Mo , Jones D Kurt , Lounsbury Olivia , Shukla Aesha S , Taheri Paul
Published: March 2023

The resources necessary to improve anesthesia quality and meet reimbursement and regulatory thresholds are scarce, particularly for smaller practices. We examined how small practice integration into a firm with greater resources can facilitate improvements. A mixed-methods analysis was conducted using the data from the US Anesthesia Partners data warehouse, Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), commercial insurers’ surgery length of stay (LOS) databases, anesthesia-specific patient satisfaction surveys, and interviews with practice leadership before and after integration. All integrated practices improved their quality improvement infrastructure and achieved higher MIPS scores, with increased clinician and leadership satisfaction. Patient satisfaction exceeded national benchmarks in all groups, based on 398 392 returned surveys in 2021. Hospital LOS for common operations was shorter, based on a statewide database. This case study demonstrates that partnership with an organization with greater resources can advance anesthesia quality.
Evaluation of altered environmental conditions as a decontamination approach for SARS-CoV-2 when applied to aircraft related materials
Authors: Richter William , Sunderman Michelle , Fulton Megan , Catyb Joseph , Lewis Douglas
Published: March 2023

Aims

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of altered environmental conditions, specifically elevated temperature at various levels of expected relative humidity (RH), on the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 when applied to U.S. Air Force aircraft materials.

Methods and results

SARS CoV-2 (USA-WA1/2020) was spiked (∼1 × 105 TCID50) in either synthetic saliva or lung fluid, dried onto porous (e.g. Nylon strap) and nonporous materials (e.g. bare aluminum, silicone, and ABS plastic), placed in a test chamber and exposed to environmental conditions ranging from 40 to 51.7 °C and RH ranging from 0% to 50%. The amount of infectious SARS-CoV-2 was then assessed at various timepoints from 0 to 2 days. Warmer test temperatures, higher RH, and longer exposure duration resulted in higher inactivation rates per material type. Synthetic saliva inoculation vehicle was more readily decontaminated compared to materials inoculated with synthetic lung fluid.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 was readily inactivated below limit of quantitation (LOQ) for all materials inoculated using synthetic saliva vehicle within 6 hours when exposed to environmental conditions of 51.7 °C and RH ≥ 25%. Synthetic lung fluid vehicle did not follow the general trend of an increase in RH resulting in increased efficacy. The lung fluid performed best at the 20%–25% RH range to achieve complete inactivation below LOQ.
Prospects for classical biological control ofSpodoptera frugiperda(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in invaded areas using parasitoids from the Americas
Authors: Kenis Marc
Published: March 2023

Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a polyphagous agricultural pest threatening food security worldwide. This American species recently invaded most of Africa, many Asian countries, and Oceania, where it mainly damages maize. Classical biological control (CBC) through the introduction of natural enemies from its area of origin is considered as a potential management approach. The paper reviews the prospects and constraints of a CBC programme against S. frugiperda using larval parasitoids, which are considered the most suitable natural enemies for introduction against this pest. The most important larval parasitoids in its native range are presented and discussed for their suitability as CBC agents, based the following criteria: their frequency of occurrence and parasitism levels, specificity, climatic suitability and absence of closely related species parasitizing S. frugiperda in the area of introduction. The ichneumonid Eiphosoma laphygmae Costa-Lima (Hymenoptera: Icheumonidae) is considered as a potential candidate for introduction because of its specificity and its importance as a parasitoid of the pest in most of its native range. The most frequent and important parasitoid of S. frugiperda in the Americas, the braconid Chelonus insularis Cresson (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), would most probably contribute to the control of S. frugiperda if released in invaded areas. However, it is oligophagous and would most certainly parasitize nontarget species. Before introducing C. insularis, or any other parasitoid species, the potential nontarget effects will have to be assessed and the risks will have to be weighed against the benefits of improving the natural control of this important pest.
Preperitoneal herniation after transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty: a case report
Authors: Shirakabe Katsudai , Hirotada Muramatsu , Kanzaki Masaki
Published: March 2023

Hernial repair is a common procedure performed by general surgeons. The use of laparoscopic hernial repair has recently increased; it was introduced in the 1980s, is minimally invasive and has few complications. However, because of this increase, rare complications that were previously unknown have been reported. A 63-year-old man underwent transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty (TAPP) for a left inguinal hernia. Tension was felt in the peritoneum during peritoneal closure. On the fifth postoperative day, the patient was admitted for small bowel obstruction (SBO) and underwent reoperation; the closed peritoneum was lacerated, causing SBO because of herniation of the preperitoneal space. After the hernia was released, the peritoneum was closed again, and the surgery was completed. SBO after TAPP surgery is a rare complication. Several reports have shown staplers, barbed sutures and tacks causing SBO; this complication can be prevented with appropriate peritoneal closure techniques and treated with early laparoscopic surgery.
Epstein–Barr virus-positive primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the urinary bladder: a case report
Authors: Sain Baijaeek , Blake Megan , Goyal Kanchan , Kaur Harsimran , Robinson Kristina
Published: March 2023

Primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) of the urinary bladder is a rare event, with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) being the most common form of NHL and urinary bladder lymphoma. It is an aggressive tumour with a poor prognosis if not recognised and treated early. The diagnosis is supported by radiological imaging and confirmed by histology, which shows the characteristic morphology of this lesion with further immunohistochemical analysis. Here we present a case of Epstein–Barr virus-positive DLBCL confirmed by an immunohistochemistry panel, along with a brief review of the literature focusing on diagnosis, treatment and outcome of this rare tumour.
A Bayesian approach to modelling spectrometer data chromaticity corrected using beam factors – I. Mathematical formalism
Authors: Sims Peter H , Bowman Judd D , Mahesh Nivedita , Murray Steven G , Barrett John P , Cappallo Rigel , Monsalve Raul A , Rogers Alan E E , Samson Titu , Vydula Akshatha K
Published: March 2023

Accurately accounting for spectral structure in spectrometer data induced by instrumental chromaticity on scales relevant for detection of the 21-cm signal is among the most significant challenges in global 21-cm signal analysis. In the publicly available Experiment to Detect the Global Epoch of Reionization Signature low-band data set, this complicating structure is suppressed using beam-factor-based chromaticity correction (BFCC), which works by dividing the data by a sky-map-weighted model of the spectral structure of the instrument beam. Several analyses of these data have employed models that start with the assumption that this correction is complete. However, while BFCC mitigates the impact of instrumental chromaticity on the data, given realistic assumptions regarding the spectral structure of the foregrounds, the correction is only partial. This complicates the interpretation of fits to the data with intrinsic sky models (models that assume no instrumental contribution to the spectral structure of the data). In this paper, we derive a BFCC data model from an analytical treatment of BFCC and demonstrate using simulated observations that, in contrast to using an intrinsic sky model for the data, the BFCC data model enables unbiased recovery of a simulated global 21-cm signal from beam-factor chromaticity-corrected data in the limit that the data are corrected with an error-free beam-factor model.
A candidate magnetic helium-core white dwarf in the globular cluster NGC 6397
Authors: Pichardo Marcano Manuel , Rivera Sandoval Liliana E , Maccarone Thomas J , Rohrmann Rene D , Heinke Craig O , Belloni Diogo , Althaus Leandro G , Bahramian Arash
Published: March 2023

We report a peculiar variable blue star in the globular cluster (GC) NGC 6397, using Hubble Space Telescope optical imaging. Its position in the colour–magnitude diagrams and its spectrum are consistent with this star being a helium-core white dwarf (He WD) in a binary system. The optical light curve shows a periodicity at 18.5 h. We argue that this periodicity is due to the rotation of the WD and possibly due to magnetic spots on the surface of the WD. This would make this object the first candidate magnetic He WD in any GC, and the first candidate magnetic WD in a detached binary system in any GC and one of the few He WDs with a known rotation period and of magnetic nature. Another possibility is that this system is an He WD in a binary system with another WD or another degenerate object, which would make this object one of the few candidate non-accreting double-degenerate binaries in any GC.
An Examination of Objective and Self-Report Measures of Ad Libitum Electronic Cigarette Use: Identifying Patterns of Puffing Behavior and Evaluating Self-Report Items
Authors: Dowd Ashley N , John Lovina , Betts Jennifer M , Belsare Prajakta , Sazonov Edward , Tiffany Stephen T
Published: March 2023

Introduction

There has been little research objectively examining use-patterns among individuals who use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). The primary aim of this study was to identify patterns of e-cigarette use and categorize distinct use-groups by analyzing patterns of puff topography variables over time. The secondary aim was to identify the extent to which self-report questions about use accurately assess e-cigarette use-behavior.

Aims and Methods

Fifty-seven adult e-cigarette-only users completed a 4-hour ad libitum puffing session. Self-reports of use were collected both before and after this session.

Results

Three distinct use-groups emerged from exploratory and confirmatory cluster analyses. The first was labeled the “Graze” use-group (29.8% of participants), in which the majority of puffs were unclustered (ie, puffs were greater than 60 seconds apart) with a small minority in short clusters (2–5 puffs). The second was labeled the “Clumped” use group (12.3%), in which the majority of puffs were within clusters (short, medium [6–10 puffs], and/or long [>10 puffs]) and a small minority of puffs were unclustered. The third was labeled the “Hybrid” use-group (57.9%), in which most puffs were either within short clusters or were unclustered. Significant differences emerged between observed and self-reported use-behaviors with a general tendency for participants to overreport use. Furthermore, commonly utilized assessments demonstrated limited accuracy in capturing use behaviors observed in this sample.

Conclusions

This research addressed several limitations previously identified in the e-cigarette literature and collected novel data that provided substantial information about e-cigarette puff topography and its relationship with self-report measures and use-type categorization.

Implications

This is the first study to identify and distinguish three empirically based e-cigarette use-groups. These use-groups, as well as the specific topography data discussed, can provide a foundation for future research assessing the impact of use across different use types. Furthermore, as participants tended to overreport use and assessments did not capture use accurately, this study can serve as a foundation for future work developing more appropriate assessments for use in research studies as well as clinical practice.
Development and Validation of the Smoker Self-Stigma Questionnaire
Authors: Geist Thomas , Goldberg Kate , Burt Keith B , Pomichter Emily , Cepeda-Benito Antonio
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Researchers have become increasingly concerned with the stigmatizing impact that regulations and policies aimed to curve down cigarette smoking may have on smokers. Given the lack of psychometrically validated tools available to assess smoking stigma, we developed and evaluated the Smoker Self-Stigma Questionnaire (SSSQ).

Aims and Methods

A total of 592 smokers recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) completed an online, Qualtrics survey that included 45 items developed and vetted by tobacco-research experts. The items were assigned a priori to three, theoretical stigma factors or domains (enacted, felt, and internalized). We first conducted a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the responses from one-half of the participants with the goal of distilling the 45-item pool to an 18-item instrument with 6 items per factor. A promising, 18-item, three-factor measure was then cross-validated with the second half of the sample.

Results

The second CFA yielded excellent fit indices, as well as adequate and significant factor loadings. Subscale scores obtained from the separated factors differentially predicted nicotine dependence and motivation to quit cigarettes, providing convergent and discriminant validity for the SSSQ and its proposed, three-factor structure.

Conclusions

Overall, the SSSQ fills an important research gap by providing a psychometrically sound measure that investigators can use to study smoking stigma.

Implications

Prior research on smoking self-stigma has used a wide variety of psychometrically invalid measures and reported inconsistent findings. This is the first study that presents a measure of smoking self-stigma that is not a merely and arbitrary adaptation of a mental illness stigma measure, but that is theoretically driven and created from a large and comprehensive pool of items vetted by tobacco-research experts. Having demonstrated and then cross-validated its excellent psychometric properties, the SSSQ provides the field with a promising tool to assess, investigate, and replicate the causes and effects of smoking self-stigma.
Effect of Electronic Cigarette Liquid pH on Retention of 11C-Nicotine in a Respiratory Tract Model
Authors: Solingapuram Sai Kiran K , Rose Jed E , Mukhin Alexey G
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Based on our preliminary 11C-nicotine positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies in humans, we speculated that greater deposition of nicotine in the respiratory tract from electronic cigarettes compared to combustible cigarettes could result from the alkaline pH of typical aerosol-producing electronic cigarette liquids (e-liquids). To address this hypothesis, we assessed the effect of e-liquid pH on the retention of nicotine in vitro using 11C-nicotine, PET, and a human respiratory tract model of nicotine deposition.

Aims and Methods

A single 2-second 35-mL puff was delivered to a human respiratory tract cast from a 2.8-Ohm cartomizer at 4.1 volts. Immediately after the puff, a 2-second 700-mL air wash-in volume was administered. E-liquids (glycerol and propylene glycol 50/50 vol/vol) containing 24 mg/mL nicotine were mixed with 11C-nicotine. Deposition (retention) of nicotine was assessed using a GE Discovery MI DR PET/CT scanner. Eight e-liquids with different pH values (range 5.3–9.6) were investigated. All experiments were performed at room temperature and at a relative humidity of 70%–80%.

Results

Retention of nicotine in the respiratory tract cast was pH dependent and the pH-sensitive component of the retention was well described by a sigmoid curve. In total, 50% of the maximal pH-dependent effect was observed at pH 8.0, which is close to the pKa2 of nicotine.

Conclusions

The retention of nicotine in the respiratory tract conducting airways is dependent on the e-liquid pH. Lowering the e-liquid pH reduces retention of nicotine. Nonetheless, reduction of the pH below 7 has little effect, consistent with the pKa2 of protonated nicotine.

Implications

Similar to combustible cigarettes, the retention of nicotine in the human respiratory tract from consumption of electronic cigarettes may have some health consequences and affect nicotine dependence. Here we demonstrated that the retention of nicotine in the respiratory tract is dependent on the e-liquid pH, and lowering pH reduces retention of nicotine in conducting airways of the respiratory tract. Therefore, e-cigarettes with low pH values would result in reduced respiratory tract nicotine exposure and faster delivery of nicotine to the central nervous system (CNS). The latter can be associated with e-cigarette abuse liability and the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as substitutes for combustible cigarettes.
Occupational Fall Risk Assessment Tool for older workers
Authors: Osuka Y , Okubo Y , Nofuji Y , Maruo K , Fujiwara Y , Oka H , Shinkai S , Lord S R , Sasai H
Published: March 2023

Background

No easy-to-use fall risk assessment tools have been devised to assess occupational fall risk in older workers.

Aims

To develop an Occupational Fall Risk Assessment Tool (OFRAT) and report its predictive validity and reliability in older workers.

Methods

The baseline fall risk assessment was completed by 1113 participants aged ≥60 years who worked ≥4 days/month in Saitama, Japan. Participants were followed up for falls during occupational activities for 1 year, and 30 participants were assessed twice for test–retest reliability. The following assessment measures were summed to form the OFRAT risk score: older age, male sex, history of falls, physical work participation, diabetes, use of medications increasing fall risk, reduced vision, poor hearing, executive dysfunction and slow stepping. The scores were then classified into four grades (0–2 points: very low, 3 points: low, 4 points: moderate and ≥5 points: high).

Results

During follow-up, 112 participants fell 214 times during work. The negative binomial regression model showed that participants with higher grades had a higher incidence rate ratio [95% confidence interval] for falls than those with very low grades (low: 1.64 [1.08–2.47], moderate: 4.23 [2.82–6.34] and high: 6.12 [3.83–9.76]). The intraclass correlation coefficient for risk score was 0.86 [0.72–0.93], and the weighted kappa coefficient for grade assessment was 0.74 [0.52–0.95].

Conclusions

The OFRAT is a valid and reliable tool for estimating the occupational fall risk in older workers. It may assist occupational physicians implement strategies to prevent falls in this group.
Understanding the flare emission in CF Tucanae using TESS
Authors: Sriram Kandulapati , Vijaya Annemalla , Lahiri Deblina , Choi Chul Sung
Published: March 2023

Chromospherically active binaries are important in the understanding of the origins of optical flares. Since studies of flares in binaries are important, we perform a detailed analysis of 11 flares emitted by the RS CVn binary source CF Tucanae using the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). We assume a 10000 K blackbody spectrum to determine the flare energies, which were noted to be ∼0.29–2.86 × 1035 erg. We also fitted optical flares with a fast rise with an exponential decay burst profile and decay times were used to estimate the flare scale lengths. Three flares among them mandate a double burst model and another two exhibit complex flare features. Spot areas were found to be ∼1022 cm2 and associated magnetic energies were found to be ∼1036–37 erg. This excess of magnetic energy indicates that the flares release only a small fraction of the magnetic energy of the dominant spot but may indicate a lack of connection between the flares and the dominant spot. We also study the periodic variations using the times of minima obtained from TESS data along with previous values. The optical periodic variation requires a parabola and a sinusoidal function to get the best fit. A new periodic modulation of Pmod ∼ 28.64 ± 1.82 yr was observed and we attempt to explain this using a magnetic activity cycle. We conclude that CF Tuc exhibits complex flares and its periodic modulation varies, probably due to the exchange of spin and orbital angular momentum in the binary.
Brassica napusDrought–Induced 22-kD Protein (BnD22) Acts Simultaneously as a Cysteine Protease Inhibitor and Chlorophyll-Binding Protein
Authors: Bouargalne Youssef , Guilbaud Florian , Macherel David , Delalande Olivier , Deleu Carole , Le Cahérec Françoise
Published: March 2023

Class II water-soluble chlorophyll proteins (WSCPs) from Brassicaceae are non-photosynthetic proteins that bind with chlorophyll (Chl) and its derivatives. The physiological function of WSCPs is still unclear, but it is assumed to be involved in stress responses, which is likely related to their Chl-binding and protease inhibition (PI) activities. Yet, the dual function and simultaneous functionality of WSCPs must still be better understood. Here, the biochemical functions of Brassica napus drought–induced 22-kDa protein (BnD22), a major WSCP expressed in B. napus leaves, were investigated using recombinant hexahistidine-tagged protein. We showed that BnD22 inhibited cysteine proteases, such as papain, but not serine proteases. BnD22 was able to bind with Chla or Chlb to form tetrameric complexes. Unexpectedly, BnD22–Chl tetramer displays higher inhibition toward cysteine proteases, indicating (i) simultaneous Chl-binding and PI activities and (ii) Chl-dependent activation of PI activity of BnD22. Moreover, the photostability of BnD22–Chl tetramer was reduced upon binding with the protease. Using three-dimensional structural modeling and molecular docking, we revealed that Chl binding favors interaction between BnD22 and proteases. Despite its Chl-binding ability, the BnD22 was not detected in chloroplasts but rather in the endoplasmic reticulum and vacuole. In addition, the C-terminal extension peptide of BnD22, which cleaved off post-translationally in vivo, was not implicated in subcellular localization. Instead, it drastically promoted the expression, solubility and stability of the recombinant protein.