bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2-Methoxybenzaldehyde effectively repels ants
Authors: Kay Tomas , Siegenthaler Georges , Kench Timothy , Keller Laurent
Published: December 2023

Ants can particularly make for harmful pests, infesting human homes and reducing crop yields. The damage caused by ants and the efforts to mitigate the damage are hugely costly. Broad-spectrum insecticides are used most commonly; however, due to their negative side effects, there is increasing interest in nontoxic alternatives. One promising commercially available alternative is 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, which is naturally produced by various arthropods as a means of chemical defense and effectively repels ants. Here we conduct a structure–activity relationship investigation, testing how different chemical modifications alter the repellence of 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde. We find that 2-methoxybenzaldehyde is considerably more effective than 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde at repelling the common black garden ant, Lasius niger. We next compare the most effective repellent chemicals against 4 particularly harmful ant species to confirm that the results obtained with L. niger are general to ants and that our results are relevant to mitigate the costs of ant damage.
Physician reported outcomes of hip arthroscopy without a perineal post: an international survey
Authors: Volpi Alexander , Hopkins Kristin Twomey , McHugh Malachy , Galano Gregory
Published: December 2023

Although the current literature reports an acceptable rate of complications with the use of a perineal post in hip arthroscopy, they are still possible and preventable. The purpose of this study was to survey International Society for Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA) members on their use of postless distraction in hip arthroscopy. A 19-question survey was emailed to hip preservation surgeons that are members of ISHA. The questions examined surgeons’ location, experience, utilization of a perineal post or postless distraction and any complications they may have encountered. In all, 145 respondents completed the survey. Regarding complications encountered when using a perineal post, the most frequent responses were temporary nerve damage (115, 80.6%), temporary genitourinary complications (39, 27%), temporary genital skin injury (35, 24%) and permanent nerve injury (12, 8%). Regarding the postless technique, of the 60 respondents who noted they have utilized postless distraction, 9 (15%) reported complications, with 7 (12%) reporting temporary nerve damage being the most common and 0 reporting cases of permanent nerve injury. These were statistically significantly less than those reported with a perineal post. Ninety-seven percent reported that after utilizing postless distraction, their patients were recovering better than or the same as when using a perineal post. This survey had excellent international participation by experienced hip arthroscopists. There were a statistically significantly decreased number of complications reported by the surgeons utilizing postless distraction. This survey highlights that postless distraction is being done successfully with lower reported complications and excellent patient recovery.
Why Care About Freedom and Agency?
Authors: Prueitt Catherine
Published: December 2023

In ethical systems that focus on apportioning praise and blame, a key consideration is often whether or not the individual is a free agent since individuals are only held to be responsible for what they freely choose. As various critiques indicate, if it were to be the case that freedom is in some way illusory or radically restricted, these systems would have a significant problem since reactive attitudes would involve holding individuals responsible for actions that they did not freely choose. I will argue that the problem may run even deeper: even if there is such a thing as free agency, it is a mistake to think that autonomous individuals uniquely instantiate this agency. I will draw on arguments from Pratyabhijñā Śaivism, which state that although there is ultimately no such thing as a praise or blameworthy individual agent, free agency is the precondition for manifestation itself. Worlds, not individuals, are the proper unit of analysis for ethical theories. This position picks up on many of the critiques of the kind of substantial self that stands apart from the world that were offered by various Buddhist traditions in the Classical Sanskritic context. At the same time, it does not fall prey to these objections precisely because the self that Pratyabhijñā theorists argue for is neither an unchanging substance nor a minimally thin kind of self-awareness that could be accommodated by no-self theorists. Pratyabhijñā theorists’ particular way of understanding agency, then, presents a productive exchange between some of the most ethically salient ramifications of Buddhist no-self theories and insights into why, nevertheless, freedom and agency are inextricably bound up in our worlds.
The distribution of triatomine (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) in Illinois and Missouri: historical records and specimen submissions from community science programs
Authors: Santos Ellen M , Santanello Catherine D , Curtis-Robles Rachel , Killets Keswick , Lawrence Gena , Sevenshadows Jet , Mahoney Meredith J , Baker Molly , Hamer Sarah A
Published: December 2023

Triatomine species (kissing bugs) infected with Trypanosoma cruzi are found across the southern United States. The northern limits of Trypanosoma cruzi infected kissing bugs are less understood. The objective of this work was to describe the locations of kissing bugs from Illinois and Missouri based on historical records, submissions to Texas A&M University’s (TAMU) Kissing Bug Community Science Program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and records from online platforms (iNaturalist, BugGuide, and GBIF) up to and including 2022. A total of 228 records were discovered, including 186 from historical or observation platforms and 42 specimens submitted to TAMU or CDC. Species included Triatoma sanguisuga (221 total records, 9 nymphs) and Triatoma lecticularia (7 records). Notably, nearly all (24/26) records submitted to TAMU were collected indoors. Twelve of the 30 (40%) specimens tested were positive for the presence of T. cruzi, including parasite discrete taxonomic units TcI and TcIV. One triatomine sample had been found in a bed feeding on the submitter; this bug was positive for T. cruzi and had evidence of human blood in its gut. Records suggest a ubiquitous distribution in Missouri and potentially to the northernmost border in Illinois. Further investigations into triatomine distribution and infection status are needed within states assumed to be northern limits in order to create public health and veterinary health messaging and baseline distributional maps from which to measure future range shifts in relation to a changing climate.
Trade-offs in growth and reproduction of rhizomatous clonal plant Phragmites communis in response to aeolian processes
Authors: Ba Chaoqun , Zhai Shanshan , Qian Jianqiang , Liu Bo , Zhu Jinlei , Liu Zhimin
Published: December 2023

Trade-offs in growth and reproduction are essential parts of the adaptive strategies of clonal plants. How rhizomatous psammophytes respond to aeolian processes (sand burial and wind erosion) by means of trade-offs is supposed to be especially important for their colonization on the active sand dune. Despite partial documentation of the responses of rhizomatous species to aeolian processes, how these clonal species respond to aeolian processes by means of potential trade-offs in growth and reproduction still remains unclear. In this study, we employed field investigation and biomass modeling to evaluate the trade-offs between vegetative and reproductive growth as well as between the number and size of ramets of Phragmites communis in response to sand burial and wind erosion. Sand burial enhanced the accumulation of seed biomass and reproductive effort. Wind erosion reduced reproductive effort but had no significant influence on seed biomass. Sand burial increased the biomass of ramets, while wind erosion increased ramet population density and accelerated ramet maturation. Our results demonstrate that rhizomatous psammophytes adjust their growth strategies in response to aeolian processes, i.e. reproductive growth and ramet size increase in response to sand burial, while vegetative growth and ramet numbers increase in response to wind erosion.
CRISPR/Cas9 editing of Downy mildew resistant 6 (DMR6-1) in grapevine leads to reduced susceptibility to Plasmopara viticola
Authors: Djennane Samia , Gersch Sophie , Le-Bohec Françoise , Piron Marie-Christine , Baltenweck Raymonde , Lemaire Olivier , Merdinoglu Didier , Hugueney Philippe , Nogué Fabien , Mestre Pere
Published: December 2023

Downy mildew of grapevine (Vitis vinifera), caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola, is an important disease that is present in cultivation areas worldwide, and using resistant varieties provides an environmentally friendly alternative to fungicides. DOWNY MILDEW RESISTANT 6 (DMR6) from Arabidopsis is a negative regulator of plant immunity and its loss of function confers resistance to downy mildew. In grapevine, DMR6 is present in two copies, named VvDMR6-1 and VvDMR6-2. Here, we describe the editing of VvDMR6-1 in embryogenic calli using CRISPR/Cas9 and the regeneration of the edited plants. All edited plants were found to be biallelic and chimeric, and whilst they all showed reduced growth compared with non-transformed control plants, they also had reduced susceptibility to P. viticola. Comparison between mock-inoculated genotypes showed that all edited lines presented higher levels of salicylic acid than controls, and lines subjected to transformation presented higher levels of cis-resveratrol than controls. Our results identify VvDMR6-1 as a promising target for breeding grapevine cultivars with improved resistance to downy mildew.
Mutator-like transposable element 9A interacts with metacaspase 1 and modulates the incidence of Al-induced programmed cell death in peanut
Authors: Luo Shuzhen , Li Ailing , Luo Jin , Liao Guoting , Li Xia , Yao Shaochang , Wang Aiqin , Xiao Dong , He Longfei , Zhan Jie
Published: December 2023

The toxicity of aluminum (Al) in acidic soil inhibits plant root development and reduces crop yields. In the plant response to Al toxicity, the initiation of programmed cell death (PCD) appears to be an important mechanism for the elimination of Al-damaged cells to ensure plant survival. In a previous study, the type I metacaspase AhMC1 was found to regulate the Al stress response and to be essential for Al-induced PCD. However, the mechanism by which AhMC1 is altered in the peanut response to Al stress remained unclear. Here, we show that a nuclear protein, mutator-like transposable element 9A (AhMULE9A), directly interacts with AhMC1 in vitro and in vivo. This interaction occurs in the nucleus in peanut and is weakened during Al stress. Furthermore, a conserved C2HC zinc finger domain of AhMULE9A (residues 735–751) was shown to be required for its interaction with AhMC1. Overexpression of AhMULE9A in Arabidopsis and peanut strongly inhibited root growth with a loss of root cell viability under Al treatment. Conversely, knock down of AhMULE9A in peanut significantly reduced Al uptake and Al inhibition of root growth, and alleviated the occurrence of typical hallmarks of Al-induced PCD. These findings provide novel insight into the regulation of Al-induced PCD.
Exploring alternative strategies for Staphylococcus aureus nasal decolonization: insights from preclinical studies
Authors: Jayakumar Jayalakshmi , Vinod Vivek , Biswas Lalitha , Kumar V Anil , Biswas Raja
Published: December 2023

Nasal decolonization of Staphylococcus aureus with the antibiotic mupirocin is a common clinical practice before complex surgical procedures, to prevent hospital acquired infections. However, widespread use of mupirocin has led to the development of resistant S. aureus strains and there is a limited scope for developing new antibiotics for S. aureus nasal decolonization. It is therefore necessary to develop alternative and nonantibiotic nasal decolonization methods. In this review, we broadly discussed the effectiveness of different nonantibiotic antimicrobial agents that are currently not in clinical practice, but are experimentally proved to be efficacious in promoting S. aureus nasal decolonization. These include lytic bacteriophages, bacteriolytic enzymes, tea tree oil, apple vinegar, and antimicrobial peptides. We have also discussed the possibility of using photodynamic therapy for S. aureus nasal decolonization. This article highlights the importance of further large scale clinical studies for selecting the most suitable and alternative nasal decolonizing agent.
“Antibacterial effect and possible mechanism of action of 1,3,4-oxadiazole in Staphylococcus aureus”
Authors: Formagio Maíra Dante , Silva João Vitor de Oliveira , Silva Alex Fiori , Campanerut-Sá Paula Aline Zanetti , Urbano Alexandre , Bonfim-Mendonça Patrícia de Souza , Capoci Isis Regina Grenier , Cotica Érika Seki Kioshima , Mikcha Jane Martha Graton
Published: December 2023

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the main etiological agents causing foodborne diseases, and the development of new antibacterial agents is urgent. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity and the possible mechanism of action of the 1,3,4-oxadiazole LMM6 against S. aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of LMM6 ranged from 1.95 to 7.81 µg ml−1. The time-kill assay showed that 48-h treatment at 1× to 8× MIC reduced S. aureus by 4 log colony forming unit (CFU), indicating a bacteriostatic effect. Regarding the possible mechanism of action of LMM6, there was accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an increase in the absorption of crystal violet (∼50%) by the cells treated with LMM6 at 1× and 2× MIC for 6–12 h. In addition, there was increased propidium iodide uptake (∼84%) after exposure to LMM6 for 12 h at 2× MIC. After 48 h of treatment, 100% of bacteria had been injured. Scanning electron microscopy observations demonstrated that LMM6-treated cells were smaller compared with the untreated group. LMM6 exhibited bacteriostatic activity and its mechanism of action involves increase of intracellular ROS and disturbance of the cell membrane, which can be considered a key target for controlling the growth of S. aureus.
A comprehensive Bayesian analysis assessing the effectiveness of lymphocyte immunotherapy for recurrent spontaneous abortion
Authors: Chen Rongzhou , Xu Haohan , Hou Yujia , Liu Hanghang , Zheng Zheng , Ma Shaohua
Published: December 2023

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) affects 2%–5% of couples worldwide and remains a subject of debate regarding the effectiveness of lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT) due to limited retrospective studies. We conducted a comprehensive Bayesian analysis to assess the impact of LIT on RSA. Using data from the Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital (2001–2020, n = 2316), a Bayesian generalized linear model with predictive projection feature selection was employed. Our analysis revealed a significant improvement in live birth rates for RSA patients undergoing LIT. Notably, LIT had a greater impact compared to the other 85 factors considered. To mitigate research bias, we conducted a Bayesian meta-analysis combining our dataset with 19 previously reported studies (1985–2021, n = 4246). Additionally, we developed an empirical model highlighting the four key factors, which are the LIT result, age, paternal blood type, and anticardiolipin antibody. Younger age (19–27), paternal blood type B, and a positive anticardiolipin antibody (IgM) were associated with better therapeutic outcomes in LIT for RSA. These findings aid clinicians in identifying suitable candidates for LIT and improving treatment outcomes.
Migrasomes trigger innate immune activation and mediate transmission of senescence signals across human cells
Authors: Liu Xiaoqian , Jiao Haifeng , Zhang Baohu , Zhang Sheng , Yan Kaowen , Qu Jing , Zhang Weiqi , Yu Li , Liu Guang-Hui
Published: December 2023

Aging is a complex and heterogeneous process, raising important questions about how aging is differently impacted by underlying genetics and external factors. Recently, migrasomes, newly discovered organelles, have been identified to play important roles in various physiological and pathological processes by facilitating cell-to-cell communication. Thus far, their involvement in cellular senescence and aging remains largely unexplored. In this study, we aimed to investigate how migrasomes impact on cellular aging by leveraging multiple cellular senescence models, including replicatively senescent (RS), pathologically senescent and stress-induced senescent human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), as well as RS human primary fibroblasts. In all cellular aging models, we detected an enhanced formation of migrasomes. Notably, migrasomes in senescent cells exhibited an accumulation of numerous aging hallmarks, such as dysfunctional mitochondria, endogenous retroviruses, and senescence-associated pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, we discovered that migrasomes derived from senescent cells can be taken up by young cells, thereby transferring aging signals and subsequently causing premature senescence phenotypes in recipient cells. Mechanistically, we found that treatment with migrasomes derived from senescent cells activated the innate immune response. Thus, our study sheds light on a pivotal role of migrasomes in mediating the contagiousness of aging.
Size matters: the biochemical logic of ligand type in endocrine crosstalk
Authors: Lone Jameel Barkat , Long Jonathan Z , Svensson Katrin J
Published: December 2023

The endocrine system is a fundamental type of long-range cell–cell communication that is important for maintaining metabolism, physiology, and other aspects of organismal homeostasis. Endocrine signaling is mediated by diverse blood-borne ligands, also called hormones, including metabolites, lipids, steroids, peptides, and proteins. The size and structure of these hormones are fine-tuned to make them bioactive, responsive, and adaptable to meet the demands of changing environments. Why has nature selected such diverse ligand types to mediate communication in the endocrine system? What is the chemical, signaling, or physiologic logic of these ligands? What fundamental principles from our knowledge of endocrine communication can be applied as we continue as a field to uncover additional new circulating molecules that are claimed to mediate long-range cell and tissue crosstalk? This review provides a framework based on the biochemical logic behind this crosstalk with respect to their chemistry, temporal regulation in physiology, specificity, signaling actions, and evolutionary development.
High Temperature–Induced m6A Epigenetic Changes Affect Early Porcine Embryonic Developmental Competence in Pigs
Authors: Sun Ming-Hong , Jiang Wen-Jie , Li Xiao-Han , Lee Song-Hee , Heo Geun , Zhou Dongjie , Guo Jing , Cui Xiang-Shun
Published: December 2023

N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA), plays a key role in various developmental processes in mammals. Three proteins that affect RNA m6A modification have been identified: methyltransferases, demethylases, and m6A-binding proteins, known as “writer,” “eraser,” and “reader” proteins, respectively. However, changes in the m6A modification when early porcine embryos are exposed to stress remain unclear. In this study, we exposed porcine oocytes to a high temperature (HT, 41°C) for 10 h, after which the mature oocytes were parthenogenetically activated and cultured for 7 days to the blastocyst stage. HT significantly decreased the rates of the first polar body extrusion and blastocyst formation. Further detection of m6A modification found that HT can lead to increased expression levels of “reader,” YTHDF2, and “writer,” METTL3, and decreased expression levels of “eraser,” FTO, resulting in an increased level of m6A modification in the embryos. Additionally, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is upregulated under HT conditions. Our study demonstrated that HT exposure alters m6A modification levels, which further affects early porcine embryonic development.
Cloud–cloud collisions triggering star formation in galaxy simulations
Authors: Horie Shu , Okamoto Takashi , Habe Asao
Published: December 2023

Cloud–cloud collisions (CCCs) are expected to compress gas and trigger star formation. However, it is not well understood how the collisions and the induced star formation affect galactic-scale properties. By developing an on-the-fly algorithm to identify CCCs at each time-step in a galaxy simulation and a model that relates CCC-triggered star formation to collision speeds, we perform simulations of isolated galaxies to study the evolution of galaxies and giant molecular clouds (GMCs) with prescriptions of self-consistent CCC-driven star formation and stellar feedback. We find that the simulation with the CCC-triggered star formation produces slightly higher star formation rates and a steeper Kennicutt–Schmidt relation than that with a more standard star formation recipe, although collision speeds and frequencies are insensitive to the star formation models. In the simulation with the CCC model, about $70{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the stars are born via CCCs, and colliding GMCs with masses of $\approx 10^{5.5}\, \mbox{$\rm M_{\odot}$}$ are the main drivers of CCC-driven star formation. In the simulation with the standard star formation recipe, about 50 per cent of stars are born in colliding GMCs even without the CCC-triggered star formation model. These results suggest that CCCs may be one of the most important star formation processes in galaxy evolution. Furthermore, we find that a post-processing analysis of CCCs, as used in previous studies in galaxy simulations, may lead to slightly greater collision speeds and significantly lower collision frequencies than the on-the-fly analysis.
Enhanced destruction of cluster satellites by major mergers
Authors: Dong Kyung Lin , Smith Rory , Shin Jihye , Peletier Reynier
Published: December 2023

Using a set of clusters in dark matter only cosmological simulations, we study the consequences of merging of clusters and groups of galaxies (with mass ratio larger than 5:1) to investigate the tidal impact of mergers on the satellite haloes. We compare our results to a control sample of clusters that have had no major mergers over the same time period. Clusters that undergo major mergers are found to have a significant enhancement in destruction of their subhaloes of ∼10–30 per cent, depending on how major the merger is. Those with mass ratios less than 7:1 showed no significant enhancement. The number of destroyed subhaloes are measured for the cluster members that were inside the virial radius of clusters before the merger begins. This means preprocessed galaxies brought in by the merger are deliberately excluded, allowing us to clearly see the enhanced destruction purely as a result of the distorted and disturbed tidal field of the cluster during the merger. We also consider secondary parameters affecting the destruction of those satellites but find that the major mergers are the dominant factor. These results highlight how major mergers can significantly impact the cluster population, with likely consequences for the formation of intracluster light, and enhancement of tidal features in the remaining satellites.
TESS Cycle 2 observations of roAp stars with 2-min cadence data
Authors: Holdsworth D L , Cunha M S , Lares-Martiz M , Kurtz D W , Antoci V , Barceló Forteza S , De Cat P , Derekas A , Kayhan C , Ozuyar D , Skarka M , Hey D R , Shi F , Bowman D M , Kobzar O , Ayala Gómez A , Bognár Zs , Buzasi D L , Ebadi M , Fox-Machado L , García Hernández A , Ghasemi H , Guzik J A , Handberg R , Handler G , Hasanzadeh A , Jayaraman R , Khalack V , Kochukhov O , Lovekin C C , Mikołajczyk P , Mkrtichian D , Murphy S J , Niemczura E , Olafsson B G , Pascual-Granado J , Paunzen E , Posiłek N , Ramón-Ballesta A , Safari H , Samadi-Ghadim A , Smalley B , Sódor Á , Stateva I , Suárez J C , Szabó R , Wu T , Ziaali E , Zong W , Seager S
Published: December 2023

We present the results of a systematic search of the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) 2-min cadence data for new rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) stars observed during the Cycle 2 phase of its mission. We find seven new roAp stars previously unreported as such and present the analysis of a further 25 roAp stars that are already known. Three of the new stars show multiperiodic pulsations, while all new members are rotationally variable stars, leading to almost 70 per cent (22) of the roAp stars presented being α2 CVn-type variable stars. We show that targeted observations of known chemically peculiar stars are likely to overlook many new roAp stars, and demonstrate that multiepoch observations are necessary to see pulsational behaviour changes. We find a lack of roAp stars close to the blue edge of the theoretical roAp instability strip, and reaffirm that mode instability is observed more frequently with precise, space-based observations. In addition to the Cycle 2 observations, we analyse TESS data for all-known roAp stars. This amounts to 18 further roAp stars observed by TESS. Finally, we list six known roAp stars that TESS is yet to observe. We deduce that the incidence of roAp stars amongst the Ap star population is just 5.5  per cent, raising fundamental questions about the conditions required to excite pulsations in Ap stars. This work, coupled with our previous work on roAp stars in Cycle 1 observations, presents the most comprehensive, homogeneous study of the roAp stars in the TESS nominal mission, with a collection of 112 confirmed roAp stars in total.
Dissecting the broad-band emission from γ-ray blazar PKS 0735+178 in search of neutrinos
Authors: Prince Raj , Das Saikat , Gupta Nayantara , Majumdar Pratik , Czerny Bożena
Published: December 2023

The origin of the diffuse flux of TeV–PeV astrophysical neutrinos is still unknown. The γ-ray blazar PKS 0735+178, located outside the 90 percent localization region at 2.2° from the best-fitting IC-211208A event, was found to be flaring across all wavebands. In addition to leptonic synchrotron (SYN) and SYN self-Compton (SSC) emission, we invoke photohadronic (pγ) interactions inside the jet to model the spectral energy distribution (SED) and neutrino emission. We analyse the 100 d γ-ray and X-ray data and 10 d around the neutrino event is chosen to generate the broad-band SED. The temporal light curve indicates that the source was in a high state in optical, UV, γ-ray, and X-ray frequencies during the neutrino detection epoch. In the one-zone lepto-hadronic model, the SSC photons do not provide enough seed photons for pγ interactions to explain the neutrino event. However, including an external photon field yields a neutrino event rate of 0.12 in 100 d, for the IceCube detector, using physically motivated values of the magnetic field, an external photon field peaking at optical wavelength, and other jet parameters. The radiation from secondary electrons at X-ray energies severely constrains the neutrino flux to a lower value than found in previous studies. Moreover, the flux of high-energy γ-rays at GeV energies from the decay of neutral pions is sub-dominant at the high-energy peak of the SED, suggesting a higher correlation of neutrinos flux with X-ray flux is plausible.
Near-infrared transmission spectroscopy of HAT-P-18 b with NIRISS: Disentangling planetary and stellar features in the era of JWST
Authors: Fournier-Tondreau Marylou , MacDonald Ryan J , Radica Michael , Lafrenière David , Welbanks Luis , Piaulet Caroline , Coulombe Louis-Philippe , Allart Romain , Morel Kim , Artigau Étienne , Albert Loïc , Lim Olivia , Doyon René , Benneke Björn , Rowe Jason F , Darveau-Bernier Antoine , Cowan Nicolas B , Lewis Nikole K , Cook Neil J , Flagg Laura , Genest Frédéric , Pelletier Stefan , Johnstone Doug , Dang Lisa , Kaltenegger Lisa , Taylor Jake , Turner Jake D
Published: December 2023

The JWST Early Release Observations (ERO) included a NIRISS/SOSS (0.6–2.8 μm) transit of the ∼ 850 K Saturn-mass exoplanet HAT-P-18 b. Initial analysis of these data reported detections of water, escaping helium and haze. However, active K dwarfs like HAT-P-18 possess surface heterogeneities – star-spots and faculae – that can complicate the interpretation of transmission spectra, and indeed, a spot-crossing event is present in HAT-P-18 b’s NIRISS/SOSS light curves. Here, we present an extensive reanalysis and interpretation of the JWST ERO transmission spectrum of HAT-P-18 b, as well as HST/WFC3 and Spitzer/IRAC transit observations. We detect H2O (12.5σ), CO2 (7.3σ), a cloud deck (7.4σ), and unocculted star-spots (5.8σ), alongside hints of Na (2.7σ). We do not detect the previously reported CH4 (log  CH4 < −6 to 2σ). We obtain excellent agreement between three independent retrieval codes, which find a sub-solar H2O abundance (log  H2O ≈ −4.4 ± 0.3). However, the inferred CO2 abundance (log  CO2 ≈ −4.8 ± 0.4) is significantly super-solar and requires further investigation into its origin. We also introduce new stellar heterogeneity considerations by fitting for the active regions’ surface gravities – a proxy for the effects of magnetic pressure. Finally, we compare our JWST inferences to those from HST/WFC3 and Spitzer/IRAC. Our results highlight the exceptional promise of simultaneous planetary atmosphere and stellar heterogeneity constraints in the era of JWST and demonstrate that JWST transmission spectra may warrant more complex treatments of the transit light source effect.
What absorbs the early TeV photons of GRB 221009A?
Authors: Shen Jun-Yi , Zou Yuan-Chuan , Chen A M , Gao Duan-Yuan
Published: December 2023

The tera-electronvolt (TeV) light curve of gamma-ray burst 221009A exhibits an unprecedentedly rapid rise at its start. This phenomenon could be due to the strong absorption of photons and electrons within the emitting region. As the external shock expands outward and the radius increases, the volume of matter also grows, resulting in a gradual reduction of the optical depth for TeV photons. We investigate several potential explanations for the early TeV light curves. We calculate the optical depth for TeV photons, considering both annihilation with lower energy photons in the external shock and their scattering by electrons generated through the cascading of the TeV emission. Even under the favourable assumptions, we have determined that the optical depths for these processes are orders of magnitude too small to explain the observed light curve. Additional sources of absorbers, including electrons in the ejecta or external shock, also do not result in sufficient optical depths. Hence, the cause behind the early peculiar TeV light curve remains unclear.
Phylloxera and Aphids Show Distinct Features of Genome Evolution Despite Similar Reproductive Modes
Authors: Li Zheng , Xue Allen Z , Maeda Gerald P , Li Yiyuan , Nabity Paul D , Moran Nancy A
Published: December 2023

Genomes of aphids (family Aphididae) show several unusual evolutionary patterns. In particular, within the XO sex determination system of aphids, the X chromosome exhibits a lower rate of interchromosomal rearrangements, fewer highly expressed genes, and faster evolution at nonsynonymous sites compared with the autosomes. In contrast, other hemipteran lineages have similar rates of interchromosomal rearrangement for autosomes and X chromosomes. One possible explanation for these differences is the aphid's life cycle of cyclical parthenogenesis, where multiple asexual generations alternate with 1 sexual generation. If true, we should see similar features in the genomes of Phylloxeridae, an outgroup of aphids which also undergoes cyclical parthenogenesis. To investigate this, we generated a chromosome-level assembly for the grape phylloxera, an agriculturally important species of Phylloxeridae, and identified its single X chromosome. We then performed synteny analysis using the phylloxerid genome and 30 high-quality genomes of aphids and other hemipteran species. Unexpectedly, we found that the phylloxera does not share aphids’ patterns of chromosome evolution. By estimating interchromosomal rearrangement rates on an absolute time scale, we found that rates are elevated for aphid autosomes compared with their X chromosomes, but this pattern does not extend to the phylloxera branch. Potentially, the conservation of X chromosome gene content is due to selection on XO males that appear in the sexual generation. We also examined gene duplication patterns across Hemiptera and uncovered horizontal gene transfer events contributing to phylloxera evolution.
Evaluating the heterogeneity of hippocampal avoidant whole brain radiotherapy treatment effect: A secondary analysis of NRG CC001
Authors: Cherng Hua-Ren R , Sun Kai , Bentzen Søren , Armstrong Terri S , Gondi Vinai , Brown Paul D , Mehta Minesh , Mishra Mark V
Published: December 2023

Background

Hippocampal avoidant whole brain radiotherapy (HA-WBRT) is the standard of care for patients needing WBRT for brain metastases. This study, using existing data from NRG Oncology CC001 including baseline tumor characteristics and patient-reported MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Brain Tumor (MDASI-BT) scores, sought to identify subgroups of patients that demonstrate differential neuroprotective treatment response to HA-WBRT.

Methods

An exploratory analysis of NRG CC001, a phase 3 trial in which 518 patients were randomly assigned to WBRT plus memantine or HA-WBRT plus memantine, was performed. Rates of neurocognitive function failure (NCFF) were estimated between subgroups and stratified by arm. Covariate and subgroup interaction with differential treatment response were calculated.

Results

The benefit of HA-WBRT on decreasing NCFF was seen in patients living ≥ 4 months (HR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.58–0.97, P = .03), whereas patients living < 4 months derived no significant neurocognitive benefit. A significant association between baseline MDASI-BT cognitive factor and treatment response (interaction P = .03) was identified. Patients with lower MDASI-BT scores (less patient-reported cognitive impairment) derived significantly greater benefit (HR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.48–0.85, P = .002) compared to those with highest MDASI-BT scores (HR = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.76–2.04, P = .39). Tumor histology also had a significant interaction (P = .01) with treatment response. Primary lung histology patients derived cognitive failure risk reduction (HR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.43–0.77, P = .0007) from HA-WBRT, in contrast to nonlung primary histology patients (HR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.78–1.50, P = .48).

Conclusions

Differential neuroprotective response to HA-WBRT was identified in this analysis. Patients surviving ≥ 4 months derived benefit from HA-WBRT. There is evidence of heterogeneity of treatment effect for patients with less severe patient-reported cognitive impairment at baseline and those with primary lung histology.
Abnormal vascular structure and function within brain metastases is linked to pembrolizumab resistance
Authors: Kim Albert E , Lou Kevin W , Giobbie-Hurder Anita , Chang Ken , Gidwani Mishka , Hoebel Katharina , Patel Jay B , Cleveland Mason C , Singh Praveer , Bridge Christopher P , Ahmed Syed Rakin , Bearce Benjamin A , Liu William , Fuster-Garcia Elies , Lee Eudocia Q , Lin Nancy U , Overmoyer Beth , Wen Patrick Y , Nayak Lakshmi , Cohen Justine V , Dietrich Jorg , Eichler April , Heist Rebecca , Krop Ian , Lawrence Donald , Ligibel Jennifer , Tolaney Sara , Mayer Erica , Winer Eric , Perrino Carmen M , Summers Elizabeth J , Mahar Maura , Oh Kevin , Shih Helen A , Cahill Daniel P , Rosen Bruce R , Yen Yi-Fen , Kalpathy-Cramer Jayashree , Martinez-Lage Maria , Sullivan Ryan J , Brastianos Priscilla K , Emblem Kyrre E , Gerstner Elizabeth R
Published: December 2023

Background

We recently conducted a phase 2 trial (NCT028865685) evaluating intracranial efficacy of pembrolizumab for brain metastases (BM) of diverse histologies. Our study met its primary efficacy endpoint and illustrates that pembrolizumab exerts promising activity in a select group of patients with BM. Given the importance of aberrant vasculature in mediating immunosuppression, we explored the relationship between immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy and vascular architecture in the hopes of identifying potential mechanisms of intracranial ICI response or resistance for BM.

Methods

Using Vessel Architectural Imaging, a histologically validated quantitative metric for in vivo tumor vascular physiology, we analyzed dual-echo DSC/DCE MRI for 44 patients on trial. Tumor and peri-tumor cerebral blood volume/flow, vessel size, arterial and venous dominance, and vascular permeability were measured before and after treatment with pembrolizumab.

Results

BM that progressed on ICI were characterized by a highly aberrant vasculature dominated by large-caliber vessels. In contrast, ICI-responsive BM possessed a more structurally balanced vasculature consisting of both small and large vessels, and there was a trend toward a decrease in under-perfused tissue, suggesting a reversal of the negative effects of hypoxia. In the peri-tumor region, the development of smaller blood vessels, consistent with neo-angiogenesis, was associated with tumor growth before radiographic evidence of contrast enhancement on anatomical MRI.

Conclusions

This study, one of the largest functional imaging studies for BM, suggests that vascular architecture is linked with ICI efficacy. Studies identifying modulators of vascular architecture, and effects on immune activity, are warranted and may inform future combination treatments.
Magnetic-biased chiral molecules enabling highly oriented photovoltaic perovskites
Authors: Chen Jing , Deger Caner , Su Zhen-Huang , Wang Kai-Li , Zhu Guang-Peng , Wu Jun-Jie , He Bing-Chen , Chen Chun-Hao , Wang Tao , Gao Xing-Yu , Yavuz Ilhan , Lou Yan-Hui , Wang Zhao-Kui , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: December 2023

The interaction between sites A, B and X with passivation molecules is restricted when the conventional passivation strategy is applied in perovskite (ABX3) photovoltaics. Fortunately, the revolving A-site presents an opportunity to strengthen this interaction by utilizing an external field. Herein, we propose a novel approach to achieving an ordered magnetic dipole moment, which is regulated by a magnetic field via the coupling effect between the chiral passivation molecule and the A-site (formamidine ion) in perovskites. This strategy can increase the molecular interaction energy by approximately four times and ensure a well-ordered molecular arrangement. The quality of the deposited perovskite film is significantly optimized with inhibited nonradiative recombination. It manages to reduce the open-circuit voltage loss of photovoltaic devices to 360 mV and increase the power conversion efficiency to 25.22%. This finding provides a new insight into the exploration of A-sites in perovskites and offers a novel route to improving the device performance of perovskite photovoltaics.
Rhesus monkeys exhibiting spontaneous ritualistic behaviors resembling obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Zhai Rongwei , Tong Geya , Li Zheqin , Song Weichen , Hu Yang , Xu Sha , Wei Qiqi , Zhang Xiaocheng , Li Yi , Liao Bingbing , Yuan Chenyu , Fan Yinqing , Song Ge , Ouyang Yinyin , Zhang Wenxuan , Tang Yaqiu , Jin Minghui , Zhang Yuxian , Li He , Yang Zhi , Lin Guan Ning , Stein Dan J , Xiong Zhi-Qi , Wang Zhen
Published: December 2023

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and debilitating psychiatric disorder that affects ∼2%–3% of the population globally. Studying spontaneous OCD-like behaviors in non-human primates may improve our understanding of the disorder. In large rhesus monkey colonies, we found 10 monkeys spontaneously exhibiting persistent sequential motor behaviors (SMBs) in individual-specific sequences that were repetitive, time-consuming and stable over prolonged periods. Genetic analysis revealed severely damaging mutations in genes associated with OCD risk in humans. Brain imaging showed that monkeys with SMBs had larger gray matter (GM) volumes in the left caudate nucleus and lower fractional anisotropy of the corpus callosum. The GM volume of the left caudate nucleus correlated positively with the daily duration of SMBs. Notably, exposure to a stressor (human presence) significantly increased SMBs. In addition, fluoxetine, a serotonergic medication commonly used for OCD, decreased SMBs in these monkeys. These findings provide a novel foundation for developing better understanding and treatment of OCD.
Assessing the Pragmatic Effectiveness and Implementation of Click City: Tobacco: A School-Based Prevention Program Targeting Youth Cigarette and E-cigarette Use
Authors: Andrews Judy A , Gordon Judith S , Westling Erika , Smith David
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Given the rapid increase in the prevalence of e-cigarette use among youth, we updated Click City: Tobacco, an existing, efficacious, online tobacco prevention program for 5th graders with a 6th-grade booster, to also target e-cigarette use.

Methods

To evaluate the effectiveness of the updated 5th-grade program within a “real world” setting, we conducted a pragmatic randomized trial with 5th-grade students in 43 schools across Arizona and Oregon, assessing change in intentions and willingness to use e-cigarettes/cigarettes, from baseline to one-week post-intervention. Students in intervention schools (n = 1327) received the updated version of Click City: Tobacco; students in control schools (n = 1346) received their usual tobacco prevention curriculum.

Results

Students in intervention schools significantly decreased their intentions and willingness to use e-cigarettes and cigarettes, compared to students in control schools. The intervention also significantly changed all targeted etiological mechanisms predictive of intentions and willingness. The intervention was more effective for at-risk students, as defined by student’s previous tobacco use, current family use of tobacco, and/or high in sensation-seeking. The effects of the intervention on all outcomes were similar as a function of state, gender, ethnicity, and historical timing (before COVID-19 pandemic school closures vs. after schools re-opened). Close to 90% of the students in the intervention condition completed the entire program, supporting fidelity of implementation, and teachers reported satisfaction with the program.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that Click City: Tobacco is effective for all 5th-grade students and can be delivered with fidelity across school settings.

Implications

The results of a randomized pragmatic effectiveness trial showed that the updated Click City: Tobacco program decreased intentions and willingness to both vape e-cigarettes and smoke cigarettes among 5th-grade students, particularly for those at high risk. Program effectiveness and lack of differences because of factors such as state, gender, ethnicity, and historical timing have universal implications, suggesting that all students can benefit from this program. Click City: Tobacco received high ratings of program satisfaction from teachers and was implemented with fidelity. Findings suggest that Click City: Tobacco is effective and can be easily implemented in schools.
Increased risk of lower limb osteoarthritis among former professional soccer (football) players
Authors: Russell E R , Spencer S J , Atherton C M , Lyall D M , Mackay D F , Stewart K , MacLean J A , Pell J P , Stewart W
Published: December 2023

Background

Soccer is a high-speed contact sport with risk of injury. Despite long-standing concern, evidence to date remains inconsistent as to the association between playing professional-level soccer and lifelong musculoskeletal consequences.

Aims

The objectives were to assess risk of osteoarthritis in former professional soccer players compared to matched general population controls, and subsequently assess associated musculoskeletal disorders which may contribute to, or result from, osteoarthritis—specifically meniscal injury and joint replacement.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using national electronic health records (EHRs) on a cohort of 7676 former professional soccer players aged 40 or over at recruitment, matched on year of birth, sex (all male) and socio-economic status with 23 028 general population controls. Outcomes of interest were obtained by utilizing individual-level record linkage to EHRs from general hospital inpatient and day-case admissions.

Results

Compared to controls, former soccer players showed a greater risk of hospital admission for osteoarthritis (hazard ratio [HR] 3.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.80–3.25; P < 0.001). This increased risk appeared age dependant, normalizing over age 80 years and reflective of increased risk of lower limb osteoarthritis. Further, risk of hospital admissions for meniscal injury (HR 2.73; 95% CI 2.42–3.08; P < 0.001) and joint replacement (HR 2.82; 95% CI 2.23–3.57; P < 0.001) were greater among former soccer players.

Conclusions

We report an increased risk of lower limb osteoarthritis in former soccer players when compared with matched population controls. The results of this research add data in support of lower limb osteoarthritis among former soccer players representing a potential industrial injury.
Household Transmission of Viral Acute Gastroenteritis Among Participants Within an Integrated Health Care Delivery System, 2014–2016
Authors: Balachandran Neha , Mattison Claire P , Calderwood Laura E , Burke Rachel M , Schmidt Mark A , Donald Judy , Mirza Sara A
Published: December 2023

Background

While enteric viruses are highly transmissible, household factors associated with transmission are less well documented. We identified individual- and household-level factors associated with viral acute gastroenteritis (AGE) transmission in a large health care network in the United States.

Methods

Patients presenting with AGE were enrolled from April 2014 to September 2016. Patients and symptomatic household members were interviewed, and stool specimens were collected and tested for viral pathogens. Within a household, primary cases were those with the earliest symptom onset and a positive viral test result; secondary cases were household contacts (HHCs) with symptom onset 1-7 days from the primary case onset. Transmission households had at least 1 secondary case.

Results

Our analysis included 570 primary cases with 1479 HHCs. The overall secondary attack rate was 23%. HHCs were likely to become secondary cases (n = 338) if they were <5 years old (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2–2.6). Secondary transmission was likely to occur if the primary case was aged <5 years (aOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4–3.6) or 5 to 17 years (aOR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.9–5.7), was norovirus positive (aOR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.9–3.7), had a diapered contact (aOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.6-3.2), or reported symptoms for >4 days (aOR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–2.1). Households with ≥3 members (aOR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1–4.5) were more likely to experience transmission.

Discussion

Risk of AGE transmission within households increased if the primary case was younger, was norovirus positive, had a longer symptom duration, or had a diapered contact. Targeted prevention messaging around appropriate cleaning, disinfection, and isolation of persons with AGE should be encouraged.