bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a new biologic toxin binder for reducing AFB1 toxicity in laying hens
Authors: Nasiri Poroj Shohreh , Fazeli Mohammad Reza , Larypoor Mohaddeseh , Shariatmadari Farid
Published: February 2023

Aflatoxin (AFs)-contaminated diet in feeding domestic animals is one of the biggest health concerns for humans. Therefore, various methods have been developed to detoxify AFs. In the present study, adding Saccharomyces cerevisiae probiotic yeast and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) reduces the toxicity of AF B1 (AFB1) in laying hens was studied. After preparing the laying hens, they were fed with a diet containing AFB1 for 14 days and supplemented with S. cerevisiae and TiO2-NPs. Weight changes, serum levels of albumin, globulin, total protein, aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) were measured over 14 days. Also, on day 14, after killing the animals, their liver tissue was extracted, and the AFB1 content was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and studied histopathologically using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The results showed that adding S. cerevisiae strain and TiO2-NPs to the diet of chicks with aflatoxicosis prevented weight loss, detoxified the liver, increased total protein, decreased albumin, and globulin content. Histopathological images showed damage to the liver tissue of laying hens fed diets containing AFB1. However, S. cerevisiae and TiO2-NPs were able to prevent liver damage. In general, it was concluded that adding S. cerevisiae along with TiO2-NPs could be a good optiofor reducing AFB1 toxicity in laying hens.
Cryptococcosis in domestic and wild animals: A review
Authors: Bermann Carolina dos Santos , Braga Caroline Quintana , Ianiski Lara Baccarin , Botton Sônia de Avila , Pereira Daniela Isabel Brayer
Published: February 2023

Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease of public health relevance that affects numerous animal species and humans, causing respiratory and neurological impairment. Hence, we conducted a systematic review that included publications from 1975 to 2021 and covered 132 articles that addressed reports of cryptococcosis in domestic and wild animals, its main clinical manifestations, pathological findings, etiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic protocols. We found that the highest number of reports of cryptococcosis is in domestic species, especially cats. Among the wild and/or exotic animals, koalas and ferrets are the most affected, being important carriers of Cryptococcus spp. Pulmonary and neurological involvement is predominant in all species, although nonspecific clinical manifestations have been reported in various species, making clinical suspicion and diagnosis difficult. The countries with the most reports are Australia, the United States, Brazil, and Canada, with C. gattii VGI and VGII standing out. The therapies were based on azoles, amphotericin B, and 5-flucytosine, although there is no standard treatment protocol. Although, several diagnostic methods have been described, in a significant number of reports the diagnosis was made after a necropsy. Professionals are warned about diverse and nonspecific clinical manifestations in different animal species, which underlines the importance of cryptococcosis in the differential diagnosis in clinical practice. Furthermore, it is necessary to encourage the use of laboratory and molecular tools to improve the diagnosis of cryptococcosis. We also emphasize the urgent need for standardized therapeutic protocols to guide veterinary clinicians.
Occurrence and molecular characterization ofEnterocytozoon bieneusiin wild and domestic animal species in Portugal
Authors: Figueiredo Ana M , Dashti Alejandro , Santín Mónica , Köster Pamela C , Torres Rita T , Fonseca Carlos , Mysterud Atle , Carvalho João , Sarmento Pedro , Neves Nuno , Hipólito Dário , Palmeira Josman D , Teixeira Daniela , Lima Cátia , Calero-Bernal Rafael , Carmena David
Published: February 2023

The phylum Microsporidia encompasses a diverse group of obligate, intracellular, and spore-forming organisms able to infect a wide range of animal hosts. Among them, Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most frequently reported species in humans and animals. Little is known about the presence and epidemiology of E. bieneusi in wildlife. We investigated E. bieneusi occurrence and genetic diversity in wild and domestic mammals, through molecular-detection methods, from different regions across Portugal. A total of 756 samples were collected from 288, 242, and 226 wild carnivores, wild ungulates, and domestic animals, respectively. Overall, eight specimens were E. bieneusi-positive (1.1%, 8/756) obtained from five wild (Iberian lynx, Iberian wolf, red fox, stone marten, and wild boar) and one domestic (sheep) host. Nucleotide sequence analysis identified four genotypes of E. bieneusi, Type IV, Wildboar3, BEB6, and PtEbIX. Three of those genotypes belong to Groups 1 (Type IV and Wildboar3) and 2 (BEB6), which are known to contain genotypes capable of infecting a variety of hosts, including humans, highlighting their public health importance. PtEbIX belongs to the dog-specific Group 11. This study represents the first, largest, and most comprehensive molecular-based epidemiology survey carried out in Portugal in wild and domestic animals to date and the first worldwide identification of E. bieneusi in wolf species. Our study showed that wild carnivores and ungulates may act as reservoirs of zoonotic genotypes of E. bieneusi, establishing their role in maintaining the sylvatic cycle of this parasite while representing a potential source of infection for humans and domestic animals.
Gaussian processes for glitch-robust gravitational-wave astronomy
Authors: Ashton Gregory
Published: February 2023

Interferometric gravitational-wave observatories have opened a new era in astronomy. The rich data produced by an international network enable detailed analysis of the curved space-time around black holes. With nearly 100 signals observed so far and thousands expected in the next decade, their population properties enable insights into stellar evolution and the expansion of our Universe. However, the detectors are afflicted by transient noise artefacts known as ‘glitches’ which contaminate the signals and bias inferences. Of the 90 signals detected to date, 18 were contaminated by glitches. This feasibility study explores a new approach to transient gravitational-wave data analysis using Gaussian processes, which model the underlying physics of the glitch-generating mechanism rather than the explicit realization of the glitch itself. We demonstrate that if the Gaussian process kernel function can adequately model the glitch morphology, we can recover the parameters of simulated signals. Moreover, we find that the Gaussian processes kernels used in this work are well suited to modelling long-duration glitches which are most challenging for existing glitch-mitigation approaches. Finally, we show how the time-domain nature of our approach enables a new class of time-domain tests of General Relativity, performing a re-analysis of the inspiral-merger-ringdown test on the first observed binary black hole merger. Our investigation demonstrates the feasibility of the Gaussian processes as an alternative to the traditional framework but does not yet establish them as a replacement. Therefore, we conclude with an outlook on the steps needed to realize the full potential of the Gaussian process approach.
CMZoom III: Spectral line data release
Authors: Callanan Daniel , Longmore Steven N , Battersby Cara , Hatchfield H Perry , Walker Daniel L , Henshaw Jonathan , Keto Eric , Barnes Ashley , Ginsburg Adam , Kauffmann Jens , Kruijssen J M Diederik , Lu Xing , Mills Elisabeth A C , Pillai Thushara , Zhang Qizhou , Bally John , Butterfield Natalie , Contreras Yanett A , Ho Luis C , Immer Katharina , Johnston Katharine G , Ott Juergen , Patel Nimesh , Tolls Volker
Published: February 2023

We present an overview and data release of the spectral line component of the SMA Large Program, CMZoom. CMZoom observed 12CO (2–1), 13CO (2–1), and C18O (2–1), three transitions of H2CO, several transitions of CH3OH, two transitions of OCS, and single transitions of SiO and SO within gas above a column density of N(H2) ≥ 1023 cm−2 in the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ; inner few hundred pc of the Galaxy). We extract spectra from all compact 1.3 mm CMZoom continuum sources and fit line profiles to the spectra. We use the fit results from the H2CO 3(0, 3)–2(0, 2) transition to determine the source kinematic properties. We find ∼90 per cent of the total mass of CMZoom sources have reliable kinematics. Only four compact continuum sources are formally self-gravitating. The remainder are consistent with being in hydrostatic equilibrium assuming that they are confined by the high external pressure in the CMZ. We find only two convincing proto-stellar outflows, ruling out a previously undetected population of very massive, actively accreting YSOs with strong outflows. Finally, despite having sufficient sensitivity and resolution to detect high-velocity compact clouds (HVCCs), which have been claimed as evidence for intermediate mass black holes interacting with molecular gas clouds, we find no such objects across the large survey area.
A low-frequency sub-arcsecond view of powerful radio galaxies in rich-cluster environments: 3C 34 and 3C 320
Authors: Mahatma V H , Basu A , Hardcastle M J , Morabito L K , van Weeren R J
Published: February 2023

Models of radio galaxy physics have been primarily based on high frequency (≥1 GHz) observations of their jets, hotspots, and lobes. Without highly resolved low-frequency observations, which provide information on older plasma, our understanding of the dynamics of radio galaxies and their interaction with their environment is limited. Here, we present the first sub-arcsecond (0.3 arcsec) resolution images at 144 MHz of two powerful radio galaxies situated in rich cluster environments, namely 3C 34 and 3C 320, using the International Low Frequency Array Telescope. We detect for the first time at low frequencies a plethora of structures in these objects, including strikingly large filaments across the base of the lobes in both sources, which are spatially associated with dense regions in the ambient medium. For 3C 34, we report a spectral flattening in the region of the central filament, suggesting that the origin of the filaments is related to the presence of large-scale ordered magnetic fields. We also report periodic total intensity and spectral index banding of diffuse emission in the eastern lobe, seen for the first time in radio galaxy lobes. The hotspot complexes are resolved into multiple fragments of varying structure and spectral index; we discuss the implications for particle acceleration and jet termination models. We find at most smooth gradients in the spectral behaviour of the hotspot structure suggesting that particle acceleration, if present, may be occurring throughout the complex, in contrast to simple models, but different jet termination models may apply to both sources.
Observational connection of non-thermal X-ray emission from pulsars with their timing properties and thermal emission
Authors: Chang Hsiang-Kuang , Hsiang Jr-Yue , Chu Che-Yen , Chung Yun-Hsin , Su Tze-Hsiang , Lin Tzu-Hsuan , Huang Chien-You
Published: February 2023

The origin and radiation mechanisms of high-energy emissions from pulsars have remained mysterious since their discovery. Here we report, based on a sample of 68 pulsars, observational connection of non-thermal X-ray emissions from pulsars with their timing properties and thermal emissions, which may provide some constraints on theoretical modeling. Besides strong correlations with the spin-down power $\dot{E}$ and the magnetic field strength at the light cylinder Blc, the non-thermal X-ray luminosity in 0.5–8 keV, Lp, represented by the power-law component in the spectral model, is found to be strongly correlated with the highest possible electric field strength in the polar gap, Epc, of the pulsar. The spectral power index Γp of that power-law component is also found, for the first time in the literature, to strongly correlate with $\dot{E}$, Blc, and Epc, thanks to the large sample. In addition, we found that Lp can be well described by Lp ∝ T5.96 ± 0.64R2.24 ± 0.18, where T and R are the surface temperature and the emitting-region radius of the surface thermal emission, represented by the blackbody component in the spectral model. Γp, on the other hand, can be well described only when timing variables are included and the relation is $\Gamma _{\rm p}= \log (T^{-5.8\pm 1.93}R^{-2.29\pm 0.85}P^{-1.19\pm 0.88}\dot{P}^{0.94\pm 0.44})$ plus a constant. These relations strongly suggest the existence of connections between surface thermal emission and electron–positron pair production in pulsar magnetospheres.
On the origin of UV-dim stars: a population of rapidly rotating shell stars?
Authors: Martocchia S , Bastian N , Saracino S , Kamann S
Published: February 2023

The importance of stellar rotation in setting the observed properties of young star clusters has become clearer over the past decade, with rotation being identified as the main cause of the observed extended main sequence turn-off (eMSTO) phenomenon and split main sequences. Additionally, young star clusters are observed to host large fractions of rapidly rotating Be stars, many of which are seen nearly equator-on through decretion discs that cause self-extinction (the so called ‘shell stars’). Recently, a new phenomenon has been reported in the ∼1.5 Gyr star cluster NGC 1783, where a fraction of the main-equence turn-off stars appears abnormally dim in the UV. We investigate the origin of these ‘UV-dim’ stars by comparing the UV colour–magnitude diagrams of NGC 1850 (∼100 Myr), NGC 1783 (∼1.5 Gyr), NGC 1978 (∼2 Gyr), and NGC 2121 (∼2.5 Gyr), massive star clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud. While the younger clusters show a non-negligible fraction of UV-dim stars, we find a significant drop of such stars in the two older clusters. This is remarkable as clusters older than ∼2 Gyr do not have an eMSTO, thus a large populations of rapidly rotating stars, because their main-sequence turn-off stars are low enough in mass to slow down due to magnetic braking. We conclude that the UV-dim stars are likely rapidly rotating stars with decretion discs seen nearly equator-on (i.e. are shell stars) and discuss future observations that can confirm or refute our hypothesis.
Absence of extended atmospheres in low-mass star radius-gap planets
Authors: Krishnamurthy Vigneshwaran , Hirano Teruyuki , Gaidos Eric , Sato Bunei , Kopparapu Ravi , Barclay Thomas , Garcia-Sage Katherine , Harakawa Hiroki , Hodapp Klaus , Jacobson Shane , Konishi Mihoko , Kotani Takayuki , Kudo Tomoyuki , Kurokawa Takashi , Kuzuhara Masayuki , Lopez Eric , Nishikawa Jun , Omiya Masashi , Schlieder Joshua E , Serizawa Takuma , Tamura Motohide , Ueda Akitoshi , Vievard Sebastien
Published: February 2023

Kepler showed a paucity of planets with radii of 1.5–2 R⊕ around solar mass stars but this radius-gap has not been well studied for low-mass star planets. Energy-driven escape models like photoevaporation and core-powered mass-loss predict opposing transition regimes between rocky and non-rocky planets when compared to models depicting planets forming in gas-poor environments. Here, we present transit observations of three super-Earth sized planets in the radius-gap around low-mass stars using high-dispersion InfraRed Doppler spectrograph on the Subaru 8.2 m telescope. The planets GJ 9827 b and d orbit around a K6V star and TOI-1235 b orbits a M0.5 star. We limit any planet-related absorption in the 1083.3 nm lines of triplet He i by placing an upper-limit on the equivalent width of 14.71, 18.39, and 1.44 mÅ for GJ 9827 b (99 per cent confidence), GJ 9827 d (99 per cent confidence), and TOI-1235 b (95 per cent confidence), respectively. Using a Parker wind model, we cap the mass-loss at >0.25 M⊕ Gyr−1 and >0.2 M⊕ Gyr−1 for GJ 9827 b and d, respectively (99 per cent confidence), and >0.05 M⊕ Gyr−1 for TOI-1235 b (95 per cent confidence) for a representative wind temperature of 5000 K. Our observed results for the three planets are more consistent with the predictions from photoevaporation and/or core-powered mass-loss models than the gas-poor formation models. However, more planets in the radius-gap regime around the low-mass stars are needed to robustly predict the atmospheric evolution in planets around low-mass stars.
Dynamically constraining the length of the Milky way bar
Authors: Lucey Madeline , Pearson Sarah , Hunt Jason A S , Hawkins Keith , Ness Melissa , Petersen Michael S , Price-Whelan Adrian M , Weinberg Martin D
Published: February 2023

We present a novel method for constraining the length of the Galactic bar using 6D phase-space information to directly integrate orbits. We define a pseudo-length for the Galactic bar, named RFreq, based on the maximal extent of trapped bar orbits. We find the RFreq measured from orbits is consistent with the RFreq of the assumed potential only when the length of the bar and pattern speed of said potential is similar to the model from which the initial phase-space coordinates of the orbits are derived. Therefore, one can measure the model’s or the Milky Way’s bar length from 6D phase-space coordinates by determining which assumed potential leads to a self-consistent measured RFreq. When we apply this method to ≈210 000 stars in APOGEE DR17 and Gaia eDR3 data, we find a consistent result only for potential models with a dynamical bar length of ≈3.5 kpc. We find the Milky Way’s trapped bar orbits extend out to only ≈3.5 kpc, but there is also an overdensity of stars at the end of the bar out to 4.8 kpc which could be related to an attached spiral arm. We also find that the measured orbital structure of the bar is strongly dependent on the properties of the assumed potential.
Understanding and predicting cadence effects in the characterization of exoplanet transits
Authors: Hernandez Camero Julio , Ho Cynthia S K , Van Eylen Vincent
Published: February 2023

We investigate the effect of observing cadence on the precision of radius ratio values obtained from transit light curves by performing uniform Markov chain Monte Carlo fits of 46 exoplanets observed by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) in multiple cadences. We find median improvements of almost 50 per cent when comparing fits to 20 and 120 s cadence light curves to 1800 s cadence light curves, and of 37 per cent when comparing 600 s cadence to 1800 s cadence. Such improvements in radius precision are important, for example, to precisely constrain the properties of the radius valley or to characterize exoplanet atmospheres. We also implement a numerical information analysis to predict the precision of parameter estimates for different observing cadences. We tested this analysis on our sample and found that it reliably predicts the effect of shortening observing cadence with errors in the predicted percentage precision of $\lesssim0.5~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ for most cases. We apply this method to 157 TESS objects of interest that have only been observed with 1800 s cadence to predict the precision improvement that could be obtained by reobservations with shorter cadences and provide the full table of expected improvements. We report the 10 planet candidates that would benefit the most from reobservations at short cadence. Our implementation of the information analysis for the prediction of the precision of exoplanet parameters, Prediction of Exoplanet Precisions using Information in Transit Analysis, is made publicly available.
The bright supernova 1996cr in the circinus galaxy imaged with VLBI: shell structure with complex evolution
Authors: Bietenholz Michael F , Bartel Norbert , Bauer Franz E , Dwarkadas Vikram V , Mtshweni Leon , Orquera-Rojas Carlos , Ellingsen Simon , Horiuchi Shinji , Tzioumis Anastasios
Published: February 2023

We present broad-band radio flux-density measurements supernova (SN) 1996cr, made with MeerKAT, ATCA, and ALMA, and images made from very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations with the Australian Long Baseline Array. The spectral energy distribution of SN 1996cr in 2020, at age t ∼8700 d, is a power-law, with flux density, S ∝ ν−0.588 ± 0.011 between 1 and 34 GHz, but may steepen at >35 GHz. The spectrum has flattened since t = 5370 d (2010). Also since t = 5370 d, the flux density has declined rapidly, with $S_{\rm 9 \, GHz} \propto t^{-2.9}$. The VLBI image at t = 8859 d shows an approximately circular structure with a central minimum reminiscent of an optically-thin spherical shell of emission. For a distance of 3.7 Mpc, the average outer radius of the radio emission at t = 8859 d was (5.1 ± 0.3) × 1017 cm, and SN 1996cr has been expanding with a velocity of 4650 ± 1060 km s−1 between t = 4307 and 8859 d. It must have undergone considerable deceleration before t = 4307 d. Deviations from a circular shell structure in the image suggest a range of velocities up to ∼7000 km s−1, and hint at the presence of a ring- or equatorial-belt-like structure rather than a complete spherical shell.
Testing quadratic maximum likelihood estimators for forthcoming Stage-IV weak lensing surveys
Authors: Maraio Alessandro , Hall Alex , Taylor Andy
Published: February 2023

Headline constraints on cosmological parameters from current weak lensing surveys are derived from two-point statistics that are known to be statistically sub-optimal, even in the case of Gaussian fields. We study the performance of a new fast implementation of the Quadratic Maximum Likelihood (QML) estimator, optimal for Gaussian fields, to test the performance of Pseudo-Cℓ estimators for upcoming weak lensing surveys and quantify the gain from a more optimal method. Through the use of realistic survey geometries, noise levels, and power spectra, we find that there is a decrease in the errors in the statistics of the recovered E-mode spectra to the level of $\sim \!\! 20\, {{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ when using the optimal QML estimator over the Pseudo-Cℓ estimator on the largest angular scales, while we find significant decreases in the errors associated with the B-modes. This raises the prospects of being able to constrain new physics through the enhanced sensitivity of B-modes for forthcoming surveys that our implementation of the QML estimator provides. We test the QML method with a new implementation that uses conjugate-gradient and finite-differences differentiation methods resulting in the most efficient implementation of the full-sky QML estimator yet, allowing us to process maps at resolutions that are prohibitively expensive using existing codes. In addition, we investigate the effects of apodization, B-mode purification, and the use of non-Gaussian maps on the statistical properties of the estimators. Our QML implementation is publicly available and can be accessed from GitHub.
Cepheid metallicity in the Leavitt law (C-MetaLL) survey – III. Simultaneous derivation of theGaiaparallax offset and period–luminosity–metallicity coefficients
Authors: Molinaro R , Ripepi V , Marconi M , Romaniello M , Catanzaro G , Cusano F , De Somma G , Musella I , Storm J , Trentin E
Published: February 2023

Classical Cepheids (DCEPs) are the most important standard candles in the extra-galactic distance scale thanks to the period–luminosity ($\rm PL$), period–luminosity–colour ($\rm PLC$), and period–Wesenheit ($\rm PW$) relations that hold for these objects. The advent of the Gaia mission, and in particular the Early Data Release 3 (EDR3), provided accurate parallaxes to calibrate these relations. In order to fully exploit Gaia measurements, the zero point (ZP) of Gaia parallaxes should be determined with an accuracy of a few $\rm \mu as$. The individual ZP corrections provided by the Gaia team depend on the magnitude and the position on the sky of the target. In this paper, we use an implicit method that relies on the Cepheid $\rm PL$ and $\rm PW$ relations to evaluate the ensemble Gaia parallax zero point. The best inferred estimation of the offset value needed to additionally correct (after the Gaia team correction) the Gaia parallaxes of the present DCEP sample amounts to $\rm -22\pm 4\, \mu as$. This value is in agreement with the most recent literature values and confirms that the correction proposed by the Gaia team overcorrected the parallaxes. As a further application of our results, we derive an estimate of the Large Magellanic Cloud distance ($\rm \mu _0=18.49\pm 0.06\, mag$) in very good agreement with the currently accepted value obtained through geometric methods.
Radiation shielding of protoplanetary discs in young star-forming regions
Authors: Wilhelm Martijn J C , Portegies Zwart Simon , Cournoyer-Cloutier Claude , Lewis Sean C , Polak Brooke , Tran Aaron , Mac Low Mordecai-Mark
Published: February 2023

Protoplanetary discs spend their lives in the dense environment of a star-forming region. While there, they can be affected by nearby stars through external photoevaporation and dynamic truncations. We present simulations that use the amuse framework to couple the torch model for star cluster formation from a molecular cloud with a model for the evolution of protoplanetary discs under these two environmental processes. We compare simulations with and without extinction of photoevaporation-driving radiation. We find that the majority of discs in our simulations are considerably shielded from photoevaporation-driving radiation for at least 0.5 Myr after the formation of the first massive stars. Radiation shielding increases disc lifetimes by an order of magnitude and can let a disc retain more solid material for planet formation. The reduction in external photoevaporation leaves discs larger and more easily dynamically truncated, although external photoevaporation remains the dominant mass-loss process. Finally, we find that the correlation between disc mass and projected distance to the most massive nearby star (often interpreted as a sign of external photoevaporation) can be erased by the presence of less massive stars that dominate their local radiation field. Overall, we find that the presence and dynamics of gas in embedded clusters with massive stars is important for the evolution of protoplanetary discs.
Kinematic and thermal signatures of the directly imaged protoplanet candidate around Elias 2−24
Authors: Pinte C , Hammond I , Price D J , Christiaens V , Andrews S M , Chauvin G , Pérez L M , Jorquera S , Garg H , Norfolk B J , Calcino J , Bonnefoy M
Published: February 2023

We report kinematic and thermal signatures associated with the directly imaged protoplanet candidate in the Elias 2–24 disc. Using the DSHARP (Disc Substructures at High Angular Resolution Project) ALMA (Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array) observations of the 12CO J = 2 − 1 line, we show that the disc kinematics are perturbed, with a detached CO emission spot at the location of the planet candidate and traces of spiral wakes, and also that the observed CO emission intensities require local heating. While the foreground extinction hides the velocity channels associated with the planet, preventing a planet mass estimate, the level of gas heating implied by the CO emission indicates the presence of a warm, embedded giant planet. Comparison with models shows that this could either be a ≳5 MJup or a lower mass (≳2 MJup) but accreting protoplanet.
Combinatorics, Composition, Copia: Mersenne’s Permutations as Rhetoric of Abundance
Authors: Redwood André
Published: February 2023

This article seeks to explain the meaning and function of Mersenne’s exhaustive lists of note permutations. As is true for all of Mersenne’s labors, the permutations are at their deepest level explicable in terms of his religious commitments—in this case, his faith in the ineffable plenitude of God’s creation. Yet, Mersenne also intended the permutations and the combinatorial procedures that generate them to serve as the foundation of a pedagogy of compositional invention. That pedagogy, this article proposes, is tacitly informed by the rhetorical notion of copia, most comprehensively theorized by Erasmus in his influential De copia.
Long-term kidney outcomes after leptospirosis: a prospective multicentre cohort study in Thailand
Authors: Phannajit Jeerath , Lertussavavivat Tanat , Limothai Umaporn , Tachaboon Sasipha , Avihingsanon Yingyos , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Eiam-Ong Somchai , Tungsanga Kriang , Sitprija Visith , Srisawat Nattachai
Published: February 2023

Background

Leptospirosis is one of the most important public-health zoonotic diseases in the tropics that can cause severe organ dysfunction and death. Currently there are insufficient data on long-term renal dysfunction in patients after leptospirosis infection.

Methods

A prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted at 15 hospitals in the Sisaket province of Thailand. Confirmed leptospirosis patients admitted from 1 December 2015 to 30 November 2018 were followed between 1 February 2020 and 31 October 2020 (median 4.1 years after hospital discharge). The primary outcome was a composite of major kidney adverse events (MAKEs) including all-cause mortality, dialysis and new-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Results

Of the 217 confirmed leptospirosis cases enrolled, 32.7% were classified as having severe leptospirosis. Fifteen cases (6.9%) were deceased at the time of hospital admission. After a median follow-up time of 4.18 years, 30 patients had died and 33 patients developed CKD. Patients with severe leptospirosis had a significantly higher risk of MAKEs {adjusted hazard ratio 2.45 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44–4.18]}. Patients with intensive care unit admission, pulmonary haemorrhage and acute kidney injury also had a higher risk of MAKEs and all-cause mortality. Participants with severe leptospirosis in the follow-up cohort showed a higher risk of developing CKD compared with non-severe leptospirosis [adjusted odds ratio 3.22 (95% CI 1.04–9.96)], especially renal magnesium and phosphate wasting.

Conclusion

Leptospirosis patients, especially severe leptospirosis, are associated with long-term kidney sequelae. Our finding reflects the importance of long-term follow-up and the urgent need for specific interventions.
From the Inside Out: The Coercive Power of Deportation and the Erosion of the Liberal Democratic State
Authors: Kaushal Asha
Published: February 2023

Deportation is the expulsion of a non-citizen from the territory of a state by force or coercion. Largely because it is perceived to be a necessary extension of the state’s immigration power, deportation carries the same prerogative force, benefits from the same sweeping ambit of executive discretion and is subject to the same diminished scrutiny. Deportation is, however, a distinct legal phenomenon. Present on state territory, deportees are simultaneously subject to the state’s laws by virtue of their territorial presence and excluded from the state’s liberal democratic values of legality and fundamental rights by virtue of their status. Deportation practices create spaces inside the state where these values do not reach. As a ‘spectacular state power’ that acts inside the state, deportation bears a higher justificatory burden. The failure of states to adequately discharge this justificatory burden interrupts the integrity of legality on the inside and erodes their liberal democratic character.
RADIOACTIVE AEROSOL SEPARATION CHARACTERISTICS STUDY OF A NOVEL SUBMICRON VIRTUAL IMPACTOR
Authors: He Zeyin , Hu Lv , Yang Chuan
Published: February 2023

With the intention of man-made radioactive aerosol separating and monitoring in a high radon environment, in this paper, a novel submicron virtual impactor was developed, and a numerical simulation model was established. Then, the rationality of the numerical method was validated by comparison to experimental data. Afterward, the variations of separation characteristics under different operating conditions of sample flow rate, minor flow ratio and clean air velocity ratio were discussed and analyzed in detail. In view of the different inertia between man-made and natural radioactive aerosol, the proposed novel submicron virtual impactor could provide a quicker approach to separate and detect the man-made radioactive aerosol particles. After that, the collection nozzle structure of the virtual impactor was improved based on the computational fluid dynamics analysis results. The results show that the proposed impactor has a higher separation efficiency and lower wall loss for fine particles compared to the conventional structures.
Chicken’s best friend? Livestock guardian dog bonding with free-ranging chickens
Authors: McKellar R A , Kreplins T L , Fleming P A
Published: February 2023

Growth in the free-range and pastured egg industries has increased globally, necessitating improvements in predator control. Some egg producers are turning to the use of livestock guardian dogs (LGD; Canis familiaris) to protect hens from predation. We worked on a property where pastured layer hens were protected by two Maremma LGDs that were released from their chicken enclosure for 2–3 nights a week. GPS tracking showed that the dogs were more strongly bonded to people than the chickens, spending most of their time at night (96.1% of location data) close to the farmhouse and only 0.09% near their chicken paddock. Despite this lack of attendance, we found no change in the paddock space use by chickens with or without the dogs present (P = 0.999). Furthermore, camera trapping revealed 40 red fox (Vulpes vulpes) events over the 46-d monitoring period, with less fox activity on nights when the LGDs were allowed to roam the property and motion-activated spotlights were also deployed (P = 0.048). An online survey of 59 poultry producers found strong belief in the effectiveness of LGDs, although half the respondents (52%) indicated that they were still experiencing predation issues. There was no association with the reported degree of human bonding of their LGDs, but respondents were more likely to report current issues with predators if they owned 100 or more chickens (P = 0.031). The present case study as well as the farmer survey have identified that LGDs can be strongly bonded to people. Although there was no evidence of subsequently increased risk of predation, bonding with people could draw LGDs away from the animals they should be defending, with predation risk for poultry likely to depend on how far away LGDs move from their livestock.
Drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors: an international cohort of 13 cases
Authors: Ingen-Housz-Oro Saskia , Milpied Brigitte , Bensaid Benoit , Elshot Yannick , Brüggen Marie Charlotte , Starace Michela , Kaffenberger Benjamin H. , Carrera Cristina , Pham-Ledard Anne , Freites-Martinez Azael , Sanchez-Pena Paola , Lebrun-Vignes Bénédicte , French Lars E. , Sibaud Vincent
Published: February 2023

Among dermatologic adverse events induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) have been very rarely reported. The objective of this study is to better define the clinical and histologic features, treatment and prognosis of ICI-related DRESS. This retrospective case series was conducted between 01 January 2015 and 31 December 2021 by the dermatology departments of five international networks involved in drug reactions. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years old, DRESS with Regiscar score ≥4 (probable or certain) and ICI as a suspect drug. Clinical, biologic and follow-up data were extracted from the medical charts. Thirteen patients were included. The median time to onset was 22 days (3–11). No patients had a high-risk drug introduced in the past 3 months. A majority of patients presented fever (92%), diffuse exanthema (77%) and facial edema (69%). Biologic features included hypereosinophilia in eight patients (61.5%), hyperlymphocytosis in 3 (23%), elevated liver function tests in 11 (85%, grade 1 or 2 in most cases) and renal involvement in 5 (38%). Two patients (15%) had lung involvement. PCR evidence of viral replication was detected in five patients (38.5%). Treatment involved discontinuation of the suspect ICI and systemic steroids with variable dose and duration regimens. Among the four patients in which ipilimumab + nivolumab combination therapy was initially suspected, one was rechallenged with nivolumab monotherapy with good tolerance. Five patients were switched to another anti-PD-1 plus low-dose systemic steroids, with good tolerance in four cases. No patient died because of DRESS. DRESS induced by ICI are rare and of moderate severity. A consensus for management is still pending.
What Factors are Associated With Conversion to Knee Arthroplasty After Subchondroplasty?
Authors: Wood Dorian S. , Paulson Sally , Nolan Joseph R. , Spanyer Jonathon , Harm Richard G. , Heis Forest T.
Published: February 2023

Background

Subchondral bone marrow lesions identified on knee MRI are believed to play a role in osteoarthritis-associated pain. The subchondroplasty procedure is an arthroscopically assisted procedure for treating such lesions to avoid larger procedures such as knee arthroplasty. However, the survivorship free of conversion to arthroplasty and the factors associated with an increased likelihood of conversion of subchondroplasty to arthroplasty have not been well defined.

Questions/purposes

We performed this study to (1) determine the 5-year survivorship of subchondroplasty free from conversion to knee arthroplasty (unicompartmental or total) and (2) identify variables that were associated with progression to knee arthroplasty after a subchondroplasty procedure.

Methods

In all, 216 patients who underwent a subchondroplasty procedure performed by one surgeon with subchondroplasty experience at a single-center, multilocation facility between September 2014 and August 2017 were retrospectively evaluated to estimate survivorship free from conversion to knee arthroplasty at 5 years. The mean ± SD age and BMI at the time of subchondroplasty procedure were 59 ± 11 years and 33 ± 8 kg/m2, respectively; 60% (129 of 216) of the patients were women. Other variables collected were smoking status and grade and location of chondral lesions. The electronic medical record was reviewed to determine whether the patient had a knee arthroplasty after subchondroplasty. Survivorship free from conversion to knee arthroplasty at 5 years was calculated from a Kaplan-Meier survivorship estimator. Factors associated with progression to knee arthroplasty were examined using t-tests and chi-square analyses. Variables showing evidence of an association with knee arthroplasty were explored further using a Kaplan-Meier survivorship estimator (n = 190).

Results

Kaplan-Meier survivorship free from conversion to knee arthroplasty was 73% (95% CI 67% to 79%) at 5 years after subchondroplasty. We found that age older than 50 years and Grade 4 chondral lesions were associated with conversion to knee arthroplasty. Patients with a Grade 4 chondral lesion had 5-year survivorship of 62% (95% CI 54% to 71%) and 59% (95% CI 50% to 69%) for those older than 50 years with a Grade 4 chondral lesion.

Conclusion

Currently, we recommend a detailed, informed discussion of the risks versus benefits with patients who are considering a subchondroplasty procedure, particularly patients aged 50 years and older and those with Grade 4 chondral lesions. Future randomized trials, including those that compare the subchondroplasty procedure with arthroscopy alone or nonoperative management options, are still needed to confirm the efficacy and role of the subchondroplasty procedure in patients with knee osteoarthritis, because only such prospective studies can determine the success of the procedure.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic study.
Long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and cognitive function in older US adults
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhou Xiao-Hua Andrew , Curl Cynthia , Fitzpatrick Annette , Vedal Sverre , Kaufman Joel
Published: February 2023

Background:

Air pollution effects on cognitive function have been increasingly recognized. Little is known about the impact of different sources of fine particulate (PM2.5). We aim to evaluate the associations between long-term air pollution exposure, including source-specific components in PM2.5, and cognition in older adults.

Methods:

Cognitive assessment, including the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), Digit Symbol Coding (DSC), and Digit Span (DS), was completed in 4392 older participants in the United States during 2010–2012. Residence-specific air pollution exposures (i.e., oxides of nitrogen [NO2/NOx], PM2.5 and its components: elemental carbon [EC], organic carbon [OC], sulfur [S], and silicon [Si]) were estimated by geo-statistical models. Linear and logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between each air pollutants metric and cognitive function.

Results:

An interquartile range (IQR) increase in EC (0.8 μg/m3) and Si (23.1 ng/m3) was associated with −1.27 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.09, −2.45) and −0.88 (95% CI: −0.21, −1.54) lower CASI scores in global cognitive function. For each IQR increase in Si, the odds of low cognitive function (LCF) across domains was 1.29 times higher (95% CI: 1.04, 1.60). For other tests, NO
X
was associated with slower processing speed (DSC: −2.01, 95% CI: −3.50, −0.52) and worse working memory (total DS: −0.4, 95% CI: −0.78, −0.01). No associations were found for PM2.5 and two PM2.5 components (OC and S) with any cognitive function outcomes.

Conclusion:

Higher exposure to traffic-related air pollutants including both tailpipe (EC and NO
x
) and non-tailpipe (Si) species were associated with lower cognitive function in older adults.
Safety and effectiveness of a novel home-use therapeutic ultrasound device for the treatment of vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women: a pilot study
Authors: Hickey Martha , Baber Rodney , Eden John , Brennan Janelle , Bateson Deborah , Goldman Mindy , Rockweiler Holly , Dreon Darlene
Published: February 2023

Objective

To evaluate safety and effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound for treatment of postmenopausal vaginal dryness.

Methods

In a pilot study, postmenopausal women with self-reported vaginal dryness were randomized (1:1) to double-blind ultrasound treatment (n = 21) or sham (n = 21) for 12 weeks. Primary effectiveness endpoint was change from baseline to week 12 in Vaginal Assessment Scale symptoms (dryness, soreness, irritation, dyspareunia). Secondary effectiveness endpoint was scoring of clinician-reported Vaginal Health Index (elasticity, fluid, pH, mucosa, moisture). After 12 weeks, participants received open-label ultrasound treatment to 1 year. Safety endpoint was treatment-emergent adverse events.

Results

In the modified intent-to-treat population, women showed (mean ± standard error) reduction in Vaginal Assessment Scale with ultrasound treatment versus sham (n = 15, −0.5 ± 0.2 vs n = 15, −0.4 ± 0.3; P = 0.9) and improved Vaginal Health Index (n = 9, 2.7 ± 0.9 vs n = 9, 0.6 ± 1.4; P = 0.3). In the per-protocol analysis population, ultrasound treatment (n = 9) versus sham (n = 8) significantly reduced symptoms score (−0.6 ± 0.3 vs −0.0 ± 1.0; P = 0.4) and significantly improved Vaginal Health Index (2.7 ± 0.9 vs −0.4 ± 1.2; P = 0.03). Improvement in effectiveness endpoints were seen at 1 year compared with baseline. There were no differences in treatment-emergent adverse events between ultrasound treatment versus sham and no serious adverse events.

Conclusions

Home-use ultrasound was safe and effective for treating vaginal dryness after 12 weeks. Effectiveness was maintained to 1 year. Therapeutic ultrasound could offer a new, nonhormonal treatment option for postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy.
Publishing clinical prActice GuidelinEs (PAGE): Recommendations from Editors and Reviewers
Authors: Yang Nan , Zhao Wei , Qi Wenan , Yao Chen , Dong Chongya , Zhai Zhenguo , Chen Tong , Liu Enmei , Li Guobao , Long Youlin , Wang Xinyi , Wang Zijun , Lei Ruobing , Zhou Qi , Chen Yaolong , Du Liang ,   On behalf of TERM Working Group
Published: February 2023

Transparency Ecosystem for Research and Journals in Medicine (TERM) Working Group summarized the essential recommendations that should be considered to review and publish a high-quality guideline. These recommendations from editors and reviewers included the 10 components of essential requirements: systematic review of existing relevant guidelines, guideline registration, guideline protocol, stakeholders, conflicts of interest, clinical questions, systematic reviews, recommendation consensus, guideline reporting, and external review. TERM Working Group abbreviates them as PAGE (essential requirements for Publishing clinical prActice GuidelinEs), recommends guideline authors, editors, and peer reviewers use them for high-quality guidelines.
Characteristics and Potential Roles of Natural Killer Cells During SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Cao Wen-Jing , Wang Fu-Sheng , Song Jin-Wen
Published: February 2023

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a tremendous burden on public health and world economies. An efficient host immune response to acute SARS-CoV-2 infection requires rapid and early activation of the innate immune system. Natural killer (NK) cells represent a critical component of the innate immunity. Here, the appearance of CD56-CD16+ NK cells and unconventional CD56dim CD16neg NK cells during the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the phenotype and effector functions of NK cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection were summarized. The involvement of the dysregulated NK cells in the immunopathogenesis of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and clinical trials of adoptive NK cell–based therapies against COVID-19 were also discussed.
The Mote in Thy Brother's Eyes—Fusarium Solani in Leukemia Host
Authors: AlAgha Rawan , Chan Wee Lee , Edwin Thong Wei Sheng , Lee Joanne , Jen Wei Ying , Lip Chew Ka , Smitasin Nares , Somani Jyoti
Published: February 2023

Fusariosis is increasingly seen among immunocompromised host. The organism is known for its virulence and spectrum of infections. Presenting here a case of relapse acute myeloblastic leukemia on chemotherapy with acute onset of red painful eye followed by widespread painful skin lesions. Microbiological and radiological investigations diagnosed her with disseminated fusariosis. Treatment was challenging in view its inherent resistance to multiple antifungal agents and the need for early aggressive source control. The case report reflects the importance of early diagnosis and combination chemotherapy to salvage the patient from high mortality.