bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nowcasting National GDP Growth Using Small Business Sales Growth
Authors: Guven Cahit
Published: August 2023

This study shows that the Xero Small Business Index (XSBI) sales growth data can be used to predict the same period's national nominal GDP growth, with high accuracy, in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Findings show that XSBI sales growth can predict the same month's GDP growth around two weeks earlier than the official release in the United Kingdom. On the other hand, the three‐month average of the XSBI sales growth can predict the same quarter's GDP growth, six weeks earlier than the official release in New Zealand and five weeks earlier than the official release in Australia.
Does treating pain with alcohol affect drinking reduction among women with HIV enrolled in a clinical trial of naltrexone?
Authors: Parisi Christina E. , Gracy Hannah R. , Bush Nicholas J. , Cook Robert L. , Wang Yan , Chichetto Natalie
Published: August 2023

Background

Many women living with HIV (WLWH) experience pain. Alcohol use with the intent to treat pain could lead to hazardous drinking and difficulty in reducing drinking. Naltrexone acts on opioid receptors important for pain regulation and is an approved treatment for alcohol use disorder. In this secondary analysis of a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled naltrexone clinical trial, the goals were to (1) compare alcohol reduction between women who drank to treat pain and those who did not and (2) examine differences in alcohol reduction by both drinking intention and treatment arm.

Methods

Women living with HIV (N = 194, mean age 48.3 years, 83% non‐Hispanic Black, 11% Hispanic) with hazardous drinking (>7 drinks/week) were randomized to receive daily treatment with naltrexone 50 mg or placebo for 4 months. Study visits occurred at baseline and 2, 4, and 7 months (posttreatment). The number of drinks/week was measured using the Timeline Follow Back. Use of alcohol to treat pain was self‐reported. Participants were categorized as using alcohol to treat pain or not and in the naltrexone or placebo group. Chi‐square, t‐test, MANOVA, and sequential mixed effects models were used to determine group differences in demographic factors, mean/drinks per week, and percent change in mean drinks/week at baseline and each follow‐up visit.

Results

There was a consistent decrease in drinking throughout the study. There was not a significant difference in mean drinks/week at any point in the study between women who used alcohol to treat pain and those who did not. When considering treatment arm, at 2 months only those who did not use alcohol to treat pain in the naltrexone group had a significantly lower mean drinks/week than the other groups (p = 0.007); all groups had similar decreases in drinking from 4 months onward.

Conclusion

In the naltrexone group, WLWH who drank to treat pain reduced their alcohol consumption more slowly than WLWH who did not drink to treat pain. Replication of these findings would suggest that alcohol treatment guidelines should address pain as a factor in drinking outcomes.
Alexithymia in Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia: Prevalence, clinical correlates, and relationship with neurocognition and empathy
Authors: Peng Pu , Wang Dongmei , Wang Qianjin , Zhou Yanan , Hao Yuzhu , Chen Shubao , Wu Qiuxia , Liu Tieqiao , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Alexithymia is highly prevalent and strongly related to adverse consequences in patients with schizophrenia. However, its associated factors remain largely unexplored. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of alexithymia and its association with sociocultural characteristics, clinical symptoms, neurocognition, and empathy in 854 Chinese patients with schizophrenia.

Method

Demographic information was collected through a self‐designed questionnaire. Alexithymia was assessed by the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS‐20). We assessed clinical symptoms, neurocognition, and empathy via the following instruments: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, and Interpersonal Reactivity Index. A multiple logistic regression model was conducted to determine the independent correlates of alexithymia.

Results

Approximately one‐third (n = 277, 32%) of patients with schizophrenia had alexithymia. Patients with alexithymia had significantly more severe negative symptoms, neurocognition, and empathy impairment than patients without alexithymia. Being male, negative symptoms, personal distress, empathic concern, and language functioning were independently associated with alexithymia.

Discussion

Our findings demonstrate a high prevalence of alexithymia and its strong association with clinical symptoms, neurocognition, and empathy, which calls for timely screening and intervention for alexithymia in patients with schizophrenia. Targeting impaired language function, negative symptoms, and impaired affective empathy might help reduce alexithymia and its related negative consequences.
Functional Bayesian Networks for Discovering Causality from Multivariate Functional Data
Authors: Zhou Fangting , He Kejun , Wang Kunbo , Xu Yanxun , Ni Yang
Published: August 2023

Multivariate functional data arise in a wide range of applications. One fundamental task is to understand the causal relationships among these functional objects of interest. In this paper, we develop a novel Bayesian network (BN) model for multivariate functional data where conditional independencies and causal structure are encoded by a directed acyclic graph. Specifically, we allow the functional objects to deviate from Gaussian processes, which is the key to unique causal structure identification even when the functions are measured with noises. A fully Bayesian framework is designed to infer the functional BN model with natural uncertainty quantification through posterior summaries. Simulation studies and real data examples demonstrate the practical utility of the proposed model.
A double‐blind randomized within‐subject study to evaluate clinical applicability of four digital workflows for the fabrication of posterior single implant crown
Authors: Guo Danni , Mühlemann Sven , Pan Shaoxia , Zhou Yongsheng , Jung Ronald E.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To compare efficiency and clinical efficacy of posterior single implant crowns (PSIC) fabricated using four digital workflows.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐two patients with one missing first molar were included. Each patient received four screw‐retained implant crowns fabricated through four different workflows including a fully digital workflow with immediate digital impression (Group i‐IOS), a fully digital workflow with digital impression after implant osseointegration (Group d‐IOS), a model‐based hybrid workflow using immediate analogue impression (Group i‐AI), and a model‐based hybrid workflow with conventional analogue impression after implant osseointegration (Group d‐AI). The crown delivery sequence was randomized and blinded. The efficiency for each workflow and clinical outcome of each crown were recorded.

Results

The average clinical working time in fully digital workflows (i‐IOS 46.90 min, d‐IOS 45.66 min) was significantly lower than that in the hybrid workflows (i‐AI 54.59 min, d‐AI 55.96 min; p < .001). Significantly more laboratory time was spent in hybrid workflows (i‐AI 839.60 min, d‐AI 811.73 min) as compared to fully digital workflows (i‐IOS 606.25 min, d‐IOS 607.83 min, p < .01). No significant differences in the chairside time at delivery were found. More crowns in Group i‐AI (15%) needed additional laboratory interventions than in the other groups (p = .029).

Conclusion

Digital impression and model‐free fully digital workflow improved prosthetic efficiency in the fabrication of PSIC. With the limitation that the results were only applicable to the implant system used and the digital technologies applied, findings suggested that workflows integrating immediate impression with implant surgery procedure was clinically applicable for restoration of PSIC.
Dorothy Hodgkin lecture 2023: The enteroendocrine system—Sensors in your guts
Authors: Reimann Frank
Published: August 2023

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1)‐based medication is now widely employed in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Like other gut hormones, GLP‐1 is released from eneteroendocrine cells after a meal and in this review, based on the Dorothy Hodgkin lecture delivered during the annual meeting of Diabetes UK in 2023, I argue that there is sufficient spare capacity of GLP‐1 and other gut hormone expressing cells that could be recruited therapeutically. Years of research has revealed several receptors expressed in enteroendocrine cells that could be targeted to stimulate hormone release: although from this research it seems unlikely to find agents that selectively boost GLP‐1, release of a mixture of hormones might be the more desirable outcome anyway, given the recent promising results of new peptides combining GLP1‐receptor with other gut hormone receptor activation. Alternatively, the fact that GLP‐1 and peptideYY (PYY) expressing cells are found in greater density in the ileum might be exploited by increasing the delivery of chyme to the distal small intestine.
Consumption and time use responses to unemployment: Implications for the lifecycle model
Authors: Been Jim , Suari‐Andreu Eduard , Knoef Marike , Alessie Rob
Published: August 2023

In this study, we analyse the effects of unemployment on consumption and time use. To do so, we employ a micro panel dataset for the Netherlands containing a large set of expenditure and time use categories. Our results show a small negative effect of unemployment on expenditures, and large positive effects on time spent on home production and leisure activities. We do not find evidence for complementarity between leisure and consumption or for substitution between home production and expenditures. We use our results to estimate a ratio of relevant lifecycle parameters, and show that the point estimates and their precision depend strongly on the expenditure and time use categories considered.
Autophagy may protect the brain against prolonged consequences of headache attacks: A narrative/hypothesis review
Authors: Fila Michal , Pawlowska Elzbieta , Szczepanska Joanna , Blasiak Janusz
Published: August 2023

Objective

To assess the potential of autophagy in migraine pathogenesis.

Background

The interplay between neurons and microglial cells is important in migraine pathogenesis. Migraine‐related effects, such as cortical spreading depolarization and release of calcitonin gene–related peptide, may initiate adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐mediating pro‐nociceptive signaling in the meninges causing headaches. Such signaling may be induced by the interaction of ATP with purinergic receptor P2X 7 (P2X7R) on microglial cells leading to a Ca2+‐mediated pH increase in lysosomes and release of autolysosome‐like vehicles from microglial cells indicating autophagy impairment.

Methods

A search in PubMed was conducted with the use of the terms “migraine,” “autophagy,” “microglia,” and “degradation” in different combinations.

Results

Impaired autophagy in microglia may activate secretory autophagy and release of specific proteins, including brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which can be also released through the pores induced by P2X7R activation in microglial cells. BDNF may be likewise released from microglial cells upon ATP‐ and Ca2+‐mediated activation of another purinergic receptor, P2X4R. BDNF released from microglia might induce autophagy in neurons to clear cellular debris produced by oxidative stress, which is induced in the brain as the response to migraine‐related energy deficit. Therefore, migraine‐related signaling may impair degradative autophagy, stimulate secretory autophagy in microglia, and degradative autophagy in neurons. These effects are mediated by purinergic receptors P2X4R and P2X7R, BDNF, ATP, and Ca2+.

Conclusion

Different effects of migraine‐related events on degradative autophagy in microglia and neurons may prevent prolonged changes in the brain related to headache attacks.
Why It Is Not Unreasonable to Fear Terrorism
Authors: Fish Eran
Published: August 2023

A common view has it that since we are far likelier to be killed in some road or household accident than in a terror attack, our fear of the latter is exaggerated. I argue that terrorism's relatively limited death toll need not mean that fearing it is unreasonable, nor does it immediately imply that counter‐terrorism policies are unjustified – whatever other, legitimate concerns these policies give rise to. First, I argue that in the special case of terrorism, it is misleading to focus on risk per capita, as critics typically do. Second, while terrorism has a probabilistic component which should be relevant to decision‐making, risk is not entirely or even primarily what terrorism is all about. Third, I argue that fearing terrorism may be reasonable even while recognizing the small probability of personal harm. Due to terrorism's random character, the belief that one will escape harm rests on little more than statistical evidence. As I explain, this leaves some room for reasonable doubt, and a justified level of fear.
Inflammation‐stratified augmentation of vortioxetine with celecoxib: Results from a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial in major depressive disorder
Authors: Kavakbasi Erhan , Sampson Emma , Mills Natalie T. , Hori Hikaru , Schwarte Kathrin , Hohoff Christa , Schubert K. Oliver , Clark Scott R. , Fourrier Célia , Baune Bernhard T.
Published: August 2023

Low‐grade inflammation is considered as a pathophysiological mechanism in a subtype of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Anti‐inflammatory drugs have shown efficacy in treating MDD. However, it remains unclear how to identify suitable patients for anti‐inflammatory treatment of depression. This study investigates the predictive value of pre‐treatment high‐sensitivity C‐Reactive Protein (hsCRP) stratification on the outcome of celecoxib augmentation of vortioxetine. The PREDDICT study was conducted as a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled 6‐week trial on augmentation of vortioxetine with celecoxib between December 2017 and April 2020 at the University of Adelaide (Australia). The present analysis focusses on the question of whether the pre‐treatment hsCRP measurement and stratification of patients to depression with inflammation (hsCRP >3 mg/L) or without inflammation (hsCRP ≤3 mg/L) has an impact on the outcome of anti‐inflammatory treatment with celecoxib. A total of n = 119 mostly treatment‐resistant MDD patients with moderate to severe symptomatology were recruited in the trial. There was no effect of treatment group (celecoxib or placebo), pre‐treatment hsCRP strata (with/without inflammation), or interaction between the two terms on treatment outcome. The results of the current analysis do not support the hypothesis that pre‐treatment hsCRP level is predictive for response to anti‐inflammatory treatment with celecoxib in MDD patients. Further research is needed to identify appropriate biomarkers for the prediction of anti‐inflammatory treatment outcome in depression.

Clinical Trials Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), ACTRN12617000527369p. Registered on 11 April 2017, http://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12617000527369p.

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Women's Health Care Committee, Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology: Annual report—2023
Authors: Terauchi Masakazu , Higuchi Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2023

The Women's Health Care Committee was established in 2010 with the goal of improving women's health. In the current academic year, there are six subcommittees focusing on conducting the following surveys: (1) the current status of pregnancy‐associated breast cancer in Japan; (2) surgery for disorders of sex development; (3) diagnosis and treatment of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder; (4) obstetrics and gynecology‐based treatment for patients with eating disorders in Japan; (5) multi‐drug‐resistant bacterial infections in the field of obstetrics and gynecology; and (6) changing the methodology of the treatment of dysmenorrhea and continuing medical education. The activities of each subcommittee are described below. This report is based on the Japanese version of the annual report (Acta Obst Gynaec Jpn 2023;75(6):662–86).
Prediction of postnatal abnormal umbilical cord coiling by antenatal evaluation in pregnant women: Diagnostic accuracy study; a systematic review
Authors: Ghalichi Leila , Ghadikolaei Omolbanin Asadi , Hosseinkhan Nazanin , Abedini Azadeh , Ahmadi Shahnaz , Najafi Laily
Published: August 2023

Study Objective

Umbilical cord abnormalities increase neonatal morbidity and mortality. Considering uncertainties about the best time of an antenatal ultrasonography scan to evaluate the umbilical coiling index (UCI), this systematic review was designed to assess the diagnostic accuracy value of antenatal ultrasound assessments to predict abnormal postpartum UCI.

Methods

All observational, cross‐sectional, case–control, cohort, and diagnostic accuracy studies up to March 26, 2022, were searched and assessed according to PRISMA guidelines in Ovid, Cochrane, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Proquest, Science Direct, and Clinical Key databases, and Google Scholar search engine.

Results

The total number of 63 190 documents were retrieved from databases. The duplicates (19 272) were removed, 43 918 articles were screened for relevance, and 56 papers were selected for full‐text evaluation, resulting in 14 qualified pieces subjected to the quality CASP tools for each type of study. Finally, six articles were evaluated, extracted, and confirmed. Overall, we had 16 evaluations (11 normal pregnancies, 4 gestational diabetes mellitus, and 1 group at risk for small gestational age), from which 9 and 7 were respectively performed in the second and third trimesters. Most of the evaluations considered both hypocoiling and hypercoiling. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under curves (AUCs) change range between the evaluations were 0.09–0.97, 0.59–0.96, and 0.262–0.84, respectively.

Conclusion

Observing any coiling abnormalities in every trimester, both the second and third, is highly sensitive to predicting abnormal postnatal UCI (pUCI). Conclusively, any detected antenatal abnormality is worth attention. Both trimesters' evaluations are essential, and no superiority is seen for any of them. The systematic review revealed statistical and clinical heterogeneity; a meta‐analysis was impossible.
The association between hypoalbuminemia and microcirculation, endothelium, and glycocalyx disorders in children with sepsis
Authors: Fernández‐Sarmiento Jaime , Hernández‐Sarmiento Ricardo , Salazar María Paula , Barrera Sofia , Castilla Valeria , Duque Catalina
Published: August 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between serum albumin levels and microcirculation changes, glycocalyx degradation, and the clinical outcomes of interest.

Methods

Observational, prospective study in children with sepsis. The primary outcome was the association between hypoalbuminemia and microcirculation disorders, endothelial activation and glycocalyx degradation using a perfused boundary region (PBR) (abnormal >2.0 μm on sublingual video microscopy) or plasma biomarkers (syndecan‐1, angiopoietin‐2).

Results

A total of 125 patients with sepsis were included. The median age was 2.0 years (IQR 0.5–12.5). Children with hypoalbuminemia had more abnormal microcirculation with a higher PBR (2.16 μm [IQR 2.03–2.47] vs. 1.92 [1.76–2.28]; p = .01) and more 4–6 μm capillaries recruited (60% vs. 40%; p = .04). The low albumin group that had the worst PBR had the most 4–6 μm capillaries recruited (rho 0.29; p < .01), 48% higher Ang‐2 (p = .04), worse annexin A5 (p = 0.03) and no syndecan‐1 abnormalities (p = .21). Children with hypoalbuminemia and a greater percentage of blood volume in their capillaries needed mechanical ventilation more often (56.3% vs. 43.7%; aOR 2.01 95% CI 1.38–3.10: p < .01).

Conclusions

In children with sepsis, an association was found between hypoalbuminemia and microcirculation changes, vascular permeability, and greater endothelial glycocalyx degradation.
Practical understanding
Authors: O'Brien Lilian
Published: August 2023

Well‐functioning agents ordinarily have an excellent epistemic relationship to their intentional actions. This phenomenon is often characterized as knowledge of what one is doing and labeled “practical knowledge”. But when we examine it carefully, it seems to require a particular kind of understanding ‐ understanding of the normative structure of one's action. Three lines of argument are offered to support this Necessity of Understanding thesis. The first appeals to the nature of intentional action and the second to our everyday reasons explanation of action. The final line of argument draws on a practical amnesia case in which an agent forgets her overall goal while acting. Implications of the Necessity of Understanding thesis for the widely endorsed non‐observational view of practical knowledge are briefly discussed. It is argued that support for the non‐observational view is weaker than has been appreciated.
Nuances of knowing: Brain potentials reveal implicit effects of domain knowledge on word processing in the absence of sentence‐level knowledge
Authors: Troyer Melissa , Kutas Marta , Batterink Laura , McRae Ken
Published: August 2023

In previous work investigating the relationship between domain knowledge (of the fictional world of Harry Potter) and sentence comprehension, domain knowledge had a greater impact on electrical brain potentials to words which completed sentences about fictional “facts” participants reported they did not know compared to facts they did. This suggests that individuals use domain knowledge continuously to activate relevant/related concepts as they process sentences, even with only partial knowledge. As that study relied on subjective reports, it may have resulted in response bias related to an individual's overall domain knowledge. In the present study, we therefore asked participants with varying degrees of domain knowledge to complete sentences describing fictional “facts” as an objective measure of sentence‐level knowledge. We then recorded EEG as the same individuals (re‐)read the same sentences, including their appropriate final words, and sorted these according to their objective knowledge scores. Replicating and extending Troyer et al., domain knowledge immediately facilitated access to meaning for unknown words; greater domain knowledge was associated with reduced N400 amplitudes for unknown words. These findings constitute novel evidence for graded preactivation of conceptual knowledge (e.g., at the level of semantic features and/or relations) in the absence of lexical prediction. Knowledge also influenced post‐N400 memory/integration processes for these same unknown words; greater domain knowledge was associated with enhanced late positive components (LPCs), suggesting that deeper encoding during language processing may be engendered when knowledgeable individuals encounter an apparent gap in their knowledge.
A time compositional analysis of the association between movement behaviors and indicators of mental health in young adults
Authors: Murray Ross M. , Doré Isabelle , Sabiston Catherine M. , Michael Fady , O'Loughlin Jennifer L.
Published: August 2023

Background

Movement behaviors (i.e., physical activity [PA], sedentary behaviors [SB], sleep) relate to mental health. Although movement behaviors are often analyzed as distinct entities, they are in fact highly inter‐dependent (e.g., if an individual increases sleep, then PA and/or SB must be reduced) and these dependencies should be accounted for in the analysis. We tested whether perceptions of time spent in movement behaviors (i.e., moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity PA [MVPA], light physical activity [LPA], SB, and sleep) related to depressive symptoms and self‐report mental health in young adults using a compositional analysis. We then estimated change in depressive symptoms with reallocation of time across movement behaviors using compositional time‐reallocation models.

Methods

Data were drawn from the longitudinal NDIT dataset. Complete data were available for 770 young adults (Mage = 20.3, 55% females).

Results

The proportion of time spent in MVPA relative to other movement behaviors related to depressive symptoms non‐significantly and to mental health significantly. Reallocating 15 min from MVPA to SB resulted in a significant (0.46 unit) increase in depressive symptoms, and reallocating 15 min of MVPA to LPA was associated with a (0.57) increase in depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

These results indicate the importance of relative time spent in each movement behavior to mental health. Further research should examine these associations over time.
Franklin's randomized response model with correlated scrambled variables
Authors: Aguirre‐Hamilton Christopher , Sedory Stephen A. , Singh Sarjinder
Published: August 2023

We propose two types of estimators that are analogous to Franklin's model. One estimator is derived by concentrating on the row averages of the responses, and another is obtained by concentrating on the column averages of the observed responses. In the latter case we have two responses per respondent from a bi‐variate normal distribution. The proposed estimator based on row averages, by making use of negatively correlated random numbers from a multivariate density, is always more efficient than the corresponding Franklin's estimator. In the case of the proposed estimator based on column averages, we found that the use of positively correlated random numbers from a bivariate density can lead to the most efficient estimator. We also discuss results which are observed by making use of three responses per respondent. When the three responses are recorded, three independent normal densities are derived from three correlated variables. The findings are supported based on analytical, numerical, and simulation studies. A simulation study was done to determine the minimum sample size required to produce nonnegative estimates of the population proportion of a sensitive characteristic, and to investigate the 95% nominal coverage by the interval estimates. Ultimately at the end, one best estimator is suggested. A very neat and clean derivations of theoretical results and discussion of numerical and simulation studies are documented in Data S1.
Interfacial Dynamics Around a Swirling Roller in the Presence of Oppositely Imposed Horizontal Crossflows
Authors: Panda Santosh Kumar , Rana Basanta Kumar
Published: August 2023

The behavior of interfacial dynamics around a swirling circular drum is reported in the presence of horizontal crossflows of gaseous phase. A constant submergence ratio of the rotary drum is considered throughout this work. Forward and reverse crossflows are defined based on the direction of rotation of drum. A clockwise rotation is imposed on the drum and the rotation direction remains fixed throughout the present investigation. The pattern of film flow and cusp entrainment is observed thoroughly by considering rotational speed (ω) and strength of crossflow as influencing parameters. Strength of crossflow of gaseous phase is calibrated using flow Reynolds number based on roller diameter (Reflow=ρgUD/μg). Subsequently, we characterized the coated film thickness (h*=h/D) and cusp width (H*=H/D) by varying ω and Reflow. Furthermore, efforts are made to observe the influence of gravitational pull (calibrated using Archimedes number, Ar) and viscous drag (determined using Morton number, Mo) on interfacial morphology. The interfacial structures respond more to the rotational inertia compared to crossflow with the continuous increase of Mo. Again, the trailing end of cusp gets widened for the case of forward crossflow, whereas the cusp growth is obstructed in the presence of reverse crossflow, which is visualized using velocity vectors. We have also predicted appropriate correlations for film thickness (h*), cusp width (H*), and steady cusp length (θs*) in the presence of forward as well as reverse crossflow of air stream. Lastly, a theoretical framework is also developed to estimate film thickness and cusp width for both cases of crossflows and this framework agrees well with the simulated predictions.
Machine learning uncovers the
Pseudomonas syringae
transcriptome in microbial communities and during infection
Authors: Bajpe Heera , Rychel Kevin , Lamoureux Cameron R. , Sastry Anand V. , Palsson Bernhard O.
Published: August 2023

The transcriptional regulatory network (TRN) of the phytopathogen
Pseudomonas syringae
pv.
tomato
DC3000 regulates its response to environmental stimuli, including interactions with hosts and neighboring bacteria. Despite the importance of transcriptional regulation during these agriculturally significant interactions, a comprehensive understanding of the TRN of
P. syringae
is yet to be achieved. Here, we collected and decomposed a compendium of public RNA-seq data from
P. syringae
to obtain 45 independently modulated gene sets (iModulons) that quantitatively describe the TRN and its activity state across diverse conditions. Through iModulon analysis, we (i) untangle the complex interspecies interactions between
P. syringae
and other terrestrial bacteria in cocultures, (ii) expand the current understanding of the
Arabidopsis thaliana-P. syringae
interaction, and (iii) elucidate the AlgU-dependent regulation of flagellar gene expression. The modularized TRN yields a unique understanding of interaction-specific transcriptional regulation in
P. syringae
.

IMPORTANCE

Pseudomonas syringae
pv.
tomato
DC3000 is a model plant pathogen that infects tomatoes and
Arabidopsis thaliana
. The current understanding of global transcriptional regulation in the pathogen is limited. Here, we applied iModulon analysis to a compendium of RNA-seq data to unravel its transcriptional regulatory network. We characterize each co-regulated gene set, revealing the activity of major regulators across diverse conditions. We provide new insights on the transcriptional dynamics in interactions with the plant immune system and with other bacterial species, such as AlgU-dependent regulation of flagellar genes during plant infection and downregulation of siderophore production in the presence of a siderophore cheater. This study demonstrates the novel application of iModulons in studying temporal dynamics during host-pathogen and microbe-microbe interactions, and reveals specific insights of interest.
Pre- and syn-impact formation of clay minerals at the Ries impact structure, Germany: Implications for clay minerals on Mars
Authors: Caudill C.M. , Osinski G.R. , Tornabene L.L. , Longstaffe F.J. , McCarty D.K. , Sapers H.M.
Published: August 2023

The presence of extensive clay minerals in the ancient Noachian terrains of Mars is often used to invoke past climatic conditions that were warmer and supported surface-stable liquid water. These clay-rich regions are also heavily cratered, leading to the possibility of a causal relationship. The aim of this study is to better understand the impact excavation and generation of clays and whether there are any mineralogical or geochemical indicators that could differentiate between these two origins, both on Earth and, by analogy, Mars. Here, we present a detailed field and laboratory investigation of the composition, texture, and setting of clay minerals in impactites at the well-preserved Ries impact structure, Germany. Authigenic impactite (syn- and post-impact) clay minerals in impact melt-bearing breccia deposits are compared with sedimentary-derived clay mineral-bearing units preserved from the time of the impact event. Our findings indicate: (1) impact-generated deposits comprise compositionally diverse, Al-dominant smectitic clay minerals that could have formed without appreciable exogenous volatiles through a combination of autometamorphism, hydrothermal alteration, and devitrification; and (2) the pre-impact sedimentary clay mineral assemblages were similar in composition to those in the impact-generated deposits such that only detailed, successive laboratory treatments and analyses could discern the two sample types. NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover mission is presently investigating its first science campaign and has identified secondary alteration products, including possible clay minerals. Our study suggests that the rover may explore impact-generated clay minerals in situ, though their provenance might only be determined from analysis of the returned samples in Earth laboratories.
Supplemental Material: A kinematic model linking the Sevier and Laramide belts in the Idaho-Montana fold-thrust belt, U.S. Cordillera
Authors: Parker Stuart D. , Pearson David M.
Published: August 2023

Plate 1. Compiled geologic map for Idaho-Montana fold-thrust belt (see Figs. 1 and 2 for location). Map units are lumped by age, with post-orogenic Cenozoic rocks shown in white. Scale is 1:500,000 when viewing full-size image.

Plate 2. Area-balanced and restored cross sections (see Plate 1 for accompanying map). Scale is 1:500,000. Note that the restored (undeformed) cross section is presented in two pieces (lower cross sections). Maximum temperatures and burial estimates of Parker et al. (2022) and approximate burial envelope are shown. 
Supplemental Material: Anomalous thermal structures of subduction zones revealed by thermal properties of clinochlore at high temperature and pressure
Authors: Zhang Ruixin , Wang Duojun , et al.
Published: August 2023

Supplemental Text S1: Descriptions and governing equations for the finite element numerical model. Supplemental Text S2: Measurement error analysis of thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity. Figure S1: Images of the clinochlore, assembly, and BSE before and after the experiment. Table S1: Chemical components of the natural clinochlore and production after experiments; measurement data for clinochlore at high temperature and pressure; and data on the thermal structures of the simulations.
Apnoea-triggered increase in fraction of inspired oxygen in preterm infants: a randomised cross-over study
Authors: Marshall Andrew , Ladlow Oliver J , Bannink Charlotte , Lim Kathleen , Ali Sanoj K M , Gale Timothy J , Dargaville Peter A
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To investigate the impact of a pre-emptive apnoea triggered oxygen response on oxygen saturation (SpO2) targeting following central apnoea in preterm infants.

Design

Interventional crossover study of a 12-hour period of automated oxygen control with an apnoea response (AR) module, nested within a crossover study of a 24-hour period of automated oxygen control compared with aggregated data from two flanking 12-hour periods of manual control.

Setting

Neonatal intensive care unit

Patients

Preterm infants receiving non-invasive respiratory support and supplemental oxygen; median (IQR) birth gestation 27 (26–28) weeks, postnatal age 17 (12–23) days.

Intervention

Automated oxygen titration with an automated control algorithm modified to include an AR module. Alterations to inspired oxygen concentration (FiO2) were actuated by a motorised blender. Desired SpO2range was 90–94%. Apnoea detection was by capsule pneumography.

Main outcome measures

Duration, magnitude and area under the curve (AUC) of SpO2deviations following apnoea; frequency and duration of apnoeic events. Comparisons between periods of manual, automated and automated control with AR module.

Results

In 60 studies in 35 infants, inclusion of the AR module significantly reduced AUC for SpO2deviations below baseline compared with both automated and manual control (manual: 87.1%±107.6% s, automated: 84.6%±102.8% s, AR module: 79.4%±102.7% s). However, there was a coincident increase in SpO2overshoot (AUC (SpO2>SpO2(onset)); manual: 44.3±99.9% s, automated: 54.7%±103.4% s, AR module: 65.7%±126.2% s).

Conclusion

Automated control with a pre-emptive apnoea-triggered FiO2boost resulted in a modest reduction in post-apnoea hypoxaemia, but was followed by a greater SpO2overshoot.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12616000300471.
External validation of a multivariable prediction model for identification of pneumonia and other serious bacterial infections in febrile immunocompromised children
Authors: Martin Alexander James , van der Velden Fabian Johannes Stanislaus , von Both Ulrich , Tsolia Maria N , Zenz Werner , Sagmeister Manfred , Vermont Clementien , de Vries Gabriella , Kolberg Laura , Lim Emma , Pokorn Marko , Zavadska Dace , Martinón-Torres Federico , Rivero-Calle Irene , Hagedoorn Nienke N , Usuf Effua , Schlapbach Luregn , Kuijpers Taco W , Pollard Andrew J , Yeung Shunmay , Fink Colin , Voice Marie , Carrol Enitan , Agyeman Philipp K A , Khanijau Aakash , Paulus Stephane , De Tisham , Herberg Jethro Adam , Levin Michael , van der Flier Michiel , de Groot Ronald , Nijman Ruud , Emonts Marieke
Published: August 2023

Objective

To externally validate and update the Feverkids tool clinical prediction model for differentiating bacterial pneumonia and other serious bacterial infections (SBIs) from non-SBI causes of fever in immunocompromised children.

Design

International, multicentre, prospective observational study embedded in PErsonalised Risk assessment in Febrile illness to Optimise Real-life Management across the European Union (PERFORM).

Setting

Fifteen teaching hospitals in nine European countries.

Participants

Febrile immunocompromised children aged 0–18 years.

Methods

The Feverkids clinical prediction model predicted the probability of bacterial pneumonia, other SBI or no SBI. Model discrimination, calibration and diagnostic performance at different risk thresholds were assessed. The model was then re-fitted and updated.

Results

Of 558 episodes, 21 had bacterial pneumonia, 104 other SBI and 433 no SBI. Discrimination was 0.83 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.90) for bacterial pneumonia, with moderate calibration and 0.67 (0.61 to 0.72) for other SBIs, with poor calibration. After model re-fitting, discrimination improved to 0.88 (0.79 to 0.96) and 0.71 (0.65 to 0.76) and calibration improved. Predicted risk <1% ruled out bacterial pneumonia with sensitivity 0.95 (0.86 to 1.00) and negative likelihood ratio (LR) 0.09 (0.00 to 0.32). Predicted risk >10% ruled in bacterial pneumonia with specificity 0.91 (0.88 to 0.94) and positive LR 6.51 (3.71 to 10.3). Predicted risk <10% ruled out other SBIs with sensitivity 0.92 (0.87 to 0.97) and negative LR 0.32 (0.13 to 0.57). Predicted risk >30% ruled in other SBIs with specificity 0.89 (0.86 to 0.92) and positive LR 2.86 (1.91 to 4.25).

Conclusion

Discrimination and calibration were good for bacterial pneumonia but poorer for other SBIs. The rule-out thresholds have the potential to reduce unnecessary investigations and antibiotics in this high-risk group.
Primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma presenting with secondary chilblains of the toes
Authors: Nasir Ali Zagham , Burmeister Ryan Scott
Published: August 2023

Cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders include cutaneous manifestations of systemic B-cell or T-cell lymphoma and primary cutaneous lymphomas. Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas are subcategorised into four groups: primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (PCMZL), primary cutaneous follicle centre lymphoma, primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg-type and EBV-positive mucocutaneous tumour. Each of these cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders has unique clinical and pathological features necessitating biopsy and staging to establish proper treatment. We present a case of PCMZL manifesting as secondary chilblains of the toes that was diagnosed with punch skin biopsy. The patient’s chilblains resolved with rituximab. This case underscores the importance of considering PCMZL and other cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders in patients with dermatological manifestations and wounds refractory to first-line treatment.
Impact of adapting paediatric intensive care units for adult care during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review
Authors: Hill Katie , McCabe Catherine , Brenner Maria
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The objectives were to categorise the evidence, map out the existing studies and explore what was known about the organisation of paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) during the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, this review set out to identify any knowledge gaps in the literature and recommend areas for future research.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

This study used Arksey and O’Malley’s six-stage scoping review framework. A comprehensive search was conducted using the following databases, CINAHL Complete; MEDLINE; PsycINFO; PsycARTICLES and EMBASE and grey literature search engines. A search strategy with predefined inclusion criteria was used to uncover relevant research in this area. Screening and data collection were done in duplicate.

Results

47 631 articles were obtained through searching. However, only 25 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Three dominant themes emerged from the literature: (1) the reorganisation of space for managing increased capacity; (2) increased staffing and support; and (3) the resulting challenges.

Conclusion

COVID-19 has strained institutional resources across the globe. To relieve the burden on intensive care units (ICUs), some PICUs adjusted their units to care for critically ill adults, with other PICUs making significant changes, including the redeployment of staff to adult ICUs to provide extra care for adults. Overall, PICUs were collectively well equipped to care for adult patients, with care enhanced by implementing elements of holistic, family-centred PICU practices. The pandemic fostered a collaborative approach among PICU teams and wider hospital communities. However, specific healthcare guidelines had to be created to safely care for adult patients.
Single-centre, non-randomised clinical trial at a tertiary care centre to investigate 1-year changes in social experiences and biomarkers of well-being after bariatric surgery in individuals with severe obesity: protocol for the Bariatric Surgery and Social Experiences (BaSES) study
Authors: Pfabigan Daniela Melitta , Hertel Jens Kristoffer , Svanevik Marius , Lindberg Morten , Sailer Uta , Hjelmesæth Jøran
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Obesity is linked to increased loneliness and less enjoyment of social interactions. While bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment targeting severe obesity, there is limited understanding as to whether patients experience social interactions differently after surgery. The Bariatric Surgery and Social Experiences study is designed to assess potential changes in how much patients enjoy and engage in daily social interactions 1 year after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

Methods and analysis

Single-centre, non-randomised clinical trial carried out at the Department of Endocrinology, Obesity and Nutrition at Vestfold Hospital Trust, Norway. Eligible patients (N=113) will undergo either RYGB, SG or single anastomosis sleeve ileal (SASI) bypass. The primary outcome measure is change in the social experience score (assessed with a questionnaire) from a presurgery to a follow-up assessment 1 year after RYGB and SG. The respective changes after SASI bypass will be assessed and considered exploratory.

Ethics and dissemination

The most recent protocol version of this study was reviewed and approved by the Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics South East Norway (REK sør-øst A) on 29 August 2022 (ref: 238406). The results will be disseminated to academic and health professional audiences and the public via publications in international peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05207917.
Perspectives on how to build bridges between regulation, health technology assessment and clinical guideline development: a qualitative focus group study with European experts
Authors: Hogervorst Milou A , Møllebæk Mathias , Vreman Rick A , Lu Ting-An , Wang Junfeng , De Bruin Marie Louise , Leufkens Hubert G M , Mantel-Teeuwisse Aukje , Goettsch Wim
Published: August 2023

Objective

Improving synergy among regulation, health technology assessment (HTA) and clinical guideline development is relevant as these independent processes are building on shared evidence-based grounds. The two objectives were first to assess how convergence of evidentiary needs among stakeholders may be achieved, and second, to determine to what extent convergence can be achieved.

Design

Qualitative study using eight online dual-moderator focus groups.

Setting

Discussions had a European focus and were contextualised in four case studies on head and neck cancer, diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Participants

Forty-two experienced (over 10 years) European regulators, HTA representatives and clinicians participated in the discussion.

Interventions

Participants received information on the case study and research topic in advance. An introductory background presentation and interview guide for the moderators were used to steer the discussion.

Results

Convergence may be achieved through improved communication institutionalised in multistakeholder early dialogues, shared definitions and shared methods. Required data sets should be inclusive rather than aligned. Deliberation and decision-making should remain independent. Alignment could be sought for pragmatic clinical trial designs and patient registries. Smaller and lower-income countries should be included in these efforts.

Conclusion

Actors in the field expressed that improving synergy among stakeholders always involves trade-offs. A balance needs to be found between the convergence of processes and the institutional remits or geographical independence. A similar tension exists between the involvement of more actors, for example, patients or additional countries, and the level of collaboration that may be achieved. Communication is key to establishing this balance.