bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep learning algorithms to detect diabetic kidney disease from retinal photographs in multiethnic populations with diabetes
Authors: Betzler Bjorn Kaijun , Chee Evelyn Yi Lyn , He Feng , Lim Cynthia Ciwei , Ho Jinyi , Hamzah Haslina , Tan Ngiap Chuan , Liew Gerald , McKay Gareth J , Hogg Ruth E , Young Ian S , Cheng Ching-Yu , Lim Su Chi , Lee Aaron Y , Wong Tien Yin , Lee Mong Li , Hsu Wynne , Tan Gavin Siew Wei , Sabanayagam Charumathi
Published: September 2023

Objective

To develop a deep learning algorithm (DLA) to detect diabetic kideny disease (DKD) from retinal photographs of patients with diabetes, and evaluate performance in multiethnic populations.

Materials and methods

We trained 3 models: (1) image-only; (2) risk factor (RF)-only multivariable logistic regression (LR) model adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, diabetes duration, HbA1c, systolic blood pressure; (3) hybrid multivariable LR model combining RF data and standardized z-scores from image-only model. Data from Singapore Integrated Diabetic Retinopathy Program (SiDRP) were used to develop (6066 participants with diabetes, primary-care-based) and internally validate (5-fold cross-validation) the models. External testing on 2 independent datasets: (1) Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases (SEED) study (1885 participants with diabetes, population-based); (2) Singapore Macroangiopathy and Microvascular Reactivity in Type 2 Diabetes (SMART2D) (439 participants with diabetes, cross-sectional) in Singapore. Supplementary external testing on 2 Caucasian cohorts: (3) Australian Eye and Heart Study (AHES) (460 participants with diabetes, cross-sectional) and (4) Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (NICOLA) (265 participants with diabetes, cross-sectional).

Results

In SiDRP validation, area under the curve (AUC) was 0.826(95% CI 0.818-0.833) for image-only, 0.847(0.840-0.854) for RF-only, and 0.866(0.859-0.872) for hybrid. Estimates with SEED were 0.764(0.743-0.785) for image-only, 0.802(0.783-0.822) for RF-only, and 0.828(0.810-0.846) for hybrid. In SMART2D, AUC was 0.726(0.686-0.765) for image-only, 0.701(0.660-0.741) in RF-only, 0.761(0.724-0.797) for hybrid.

Discussion and conclusion

There is potential for DLA using retinal images as a screening adjunct for DKD among individuals with diabetes. This can value-add to existing DLA systems which diagnose diabetic retinopathy from retinal images, facilitating primary screening for DKD.
The leptin receptor gene affects piglet behavior and growth
Authors: Suárez-Mesa Rafael , Ros-Freixedes Roger , Díaz Marta , Marsellés Júlia , Pena Ramona N , Reixach Josep , Estany Joan
Published: September 2023

Piglets with low birth weight present low vitality after farrowing, often leading to impaired weight gain during lactation. A recessive missense variant (C > T) for increased appetite and fatness in the porcine leptin receptor gene (rs709596309) causes a negative maternal effect on the weight of piglets at weaning. However, it is not known whether this variant already exerts an effect on the birth weight and vitality of newborn piglets and on their growing capacity during lactation. An experiment was conducted using 668 purebred Duroc piglets (131 CC, 311 CT, and 226 TT) from 74 multiparous sows (9 CC, 43 CT, and 22 TT) and 14 boars (1 CC, 10 CT, and 3 TT). All piglets were individually weighed at birth and tested for vitality, which was assessed on a scale from 1 (low vitality) to 3 (high vitality) based on behavioral observations, including the status of the piglet immediately before the test. Only non-adopted piglets were considered for piglet performance at weaning. Inferences on the effect of the genotype on birth and weaning traits were done on a Bayesian setting based on 2-trait bivariate models including the effects of the piglet and the litter, as well as the genotype of the sow and the piglet, the sex of the piglet, and the parity number. Vitality and the status of the piglet before the test were analyzed using a liability threshold (probit) model. As compared to other genotypes, TT newborn piglets were 28 g heavier, were more vital (the probability of being scored as highly vital was 6.5% higher) and were more often found suckling before the test (the probability of being suckling at test was 6.5% higher). As a result, they grew more during lactation (153 g) and were heavier at weaning (169 g) than littermates of the two other genotypes, thus partly compensating for the limited maternal capacity of TT sows. Our findings provide evidence that appetite-influencing genes, such as the leptin receptor gene, have developmental implications from very early life stages.
A Qualitative Investigation of Self-Compassion in Music Therapy Group Voicework With Women Coping With Incest
Authors: Riabzev Aviya , Bensimon Moshe
Published: September 2023

Incest occurs worldwide in all socioeconomic classes. To the best of our knowledge, literature on music processes with incest survivors is scarce, and studies focusing on voicework as a main technique for incest survivors in group settings have not been found. The current study aimed to explore incest survivors’ expectations regarding the use of their voice before participating in a vocal group therapy, and their lived experience of using their voice following the therapeutic process. Seventeen women living in an inpatient alternative center, coping with complex posttraumatic stress disorder due to incest, participated in a voicework group led by two music therapists. The women were divided into two groups of eight and nine women each and participated in eight sessions. Data were collected through focus groups before and after the therapeutic experience. Interpretative phenomenological analysis yielded themes indicating that before the therapeutic process, participants’ expectations regarding the use of their voice reflected low self-esteem, self-criticism, loneliness, shame, fear of exposure, and avoidance of singing. Following the therapeutic process, participants experienced their voice in a way that enabled them to feel self-acceptance and courage to sing, togetherness, bonding, belonging, a strengthening of existing relationships and ability to establish new ones, and awareness of body and emotions in the “here and now.” An overall examination of the findings indicates that participants progressed from experiencing lack of self-compassion before the therapeutic experience to enhanced self-compassion at its completion. The findings are interpreted via the self-compassion concept and implications are presented.
Radiation-quality-dependent bystander cellular effects induced by heavy-ion microbeams through different pathways
Authors: Suzuki Masao , Funayama Tomoo , Suzuki Michiyo , Kobayashi Yasuhiko
Published: September 2023

We investigated the radiation-quality-dependent bystander cellular effects using heavy-ion microbeams with different ion species. The heavy-ion microbeams were produced in Takasaki Ion Accelerators for Advanced Radiation Application, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology. Carbon (12C5+, 220 MeV), neon (20Ne7+, 260 MeV) and argon (40Ar13+, 460 MeV) ions were used as the microbeams, collimating the beam size with a diameter of 20 μm. After 0.5 and 3 h of irradiation, the surviving fractions (SFs) are significantly lower in cells irradiated with carbon ions without a gap-junction inhibitor than those irradiated with the inhibitor. However, the same SFs with no cell killing were found with and without the inhibitor at 24 h. Conversely, no cell-killing effect was observed in argon-ion-irradiated cells at 0.5 and 3 h; however, significantly low SFs were found at 24 h with and without the inhibitor, and the effect was suppressed using vitamin C and not dimethyl sulfoxide. The mutation frequency (MF) in cells irradiated with carbon ions was 8- to 6-fold higher than that in the unirradiated control at 0.5 and 3 h; however, no mutation was observed in cells treated with the gap-junction inhibitor. At 24 h, the MFs induced by each ion source were 3- to 5-fold higher and the same with and without the inhibitor. These findings suggest that the bystander cellular effects depend on the biological endpoints, ion species and time after microbeam irradiations with different pathways.
A case report of acute appendicitis complicated by pylephlebitis: medical and surgical management
Authors: Patel Krishna , Varre Jaya Sai , Williams Nate , Ruiz Oscar
Published: September 2023

Pylephlebitis is a suppurative thrombus of the portal vein and/or its branches secondary to an intra-abdominal infection. Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of emergency operation in general surgery and is typically treated with antibiotics and timely appendectomy with minimal adverse outcomes (Ferris M, Quan S, Kaplan BS, et al. The global incidence of appendicitis: a systematic review of population-based studies. Ann Surg 2017;266:237–41 and Poon S, Lee J, NG KM, Chiu GWY, et al. The current management of acute uncomplicated appendicitis: should there be a change in paradigm? A systematic review of the literatures and analysis of treatment performance. WJES 2017;12:46). Unfortunately, the identification of pyelephlebitis is difficult to make due to its nonspecific clinical presentation and can result in significant morbidity or mortality if not appropriately treated. Certain laboratory derangements and positive intra-abdominal imaging combined with a high index of suspicion can make the diagnosis. Treatment involves broad-spectrum antibiotics, anticoagulation, and source control of the primary nidus of infection. Our case presentation follows the successful clinical course of a young male diagnosed with acute appendicitis complicated by pylephlebitis. He was treated with antibiotics and anticoagulation followed by interval laparoscopic appendectomy with consequential resolution of thrombus on subsequent cross-sectional imaging.
Photoperiod sensitivity of Ppd-H1 and ppd-H1 isogenic lines of a spring barley cultivar: exploring extreme photoperiods
Authors: Parrado Jorge D , Savin Roxana , Slafer Gustavo A
Published: September 2023

Barley is a long-day plant with a major gene (PPD-H1) that determines its photoperiod sensitivity. Under long days (i.e. 16 h), flowering occurs earlier in sensitive (Ppd-H1) than in insensitive (ppd-H1) genotypes, while under short days (i.e. 12 h) both flower late and more or less simultaneously. We hypothesized that (i) the sensitive line should flower later than the insensitive line under very short days (<12 h), and (ii) both the sensitive and insensitive lines should have similar phenology under very long days (>18 h). When comparing a pair of spring isogenic lines for sensitive and insensitive PPD-H1 alleles (introgressing the PPD-H1 allele into the barley cultivar ‘WI4441’), we found responses fully in line with expectations for the commonly explored range from 12 to 16–18 h. When the responses were extended to very short days, sensitivity increased noticeably, and time to flowering of the sensitive line was longer than that of the insensitive one. Under very long days, the sensitive line did not respond further (it seemed to have reached its minimum time to flowering under a 16 h period), while the insensitive line continued shortening its time to flowering until c. 21 h. Consequently, both lines flowered similarly under very long days, which opens opportunities to easily test for differences in earliness per se, as in wheat.
Rapid leaf xylem acclimation diminishes the chances of embolism in grapevines
Authors: Sorek Yonatan , Netzer Yishai , Cohen Shabtai , Hochberg Uri
Published: September 2023

Under most conditions tight stomatal regulation in grapevines (Vitis vinifera) avoids xylem embolism. The current study evaluated grapevine responses to challenging scenarios that might lead to leaf embolism and consequential leaf damage. We hypothesized that embolism would occur if the vines experienced low xylem water potential (Ψx) shortly after bud break or later in the season under a combination of extreme drought and heat. We subjected vines to two potentially dangerous environments: (i) withholding irrigation from a vineyard grown in a heatwave-prone environment, and (ii) subjecting potted vines to terminal drought 1 month after bud break. In the field experiment, a heatwave at the beginning of August resulted in leaf temperatures over 45 °C. However, effective stomatal response maintained the xylem water potential (Ψx) well above the embolism threshold, and no leaf desiccation was observed. In the pot experiment, leaves of well-watered vines in May were relatively vulnerable to embolism with 50% embolism (P50) at –1.8 MPa. However, when exposed to drought, these leaves acclimated their leaf P50 by 0.65 MPa in less than a week and before reaching embolism values. When dried to embolizing Ψx, the leaf damage proportion matched (percentage-wise) the leaf embolism level. Our findings indicate that embolism and leaf damage are usually avoided by the grapevines’ efficient stomatal regulation and rapid acclimation of their xylem vulnerability.
Utilization of an immunochromatographic lateral flow assay for rapid detection of carbapenemase production in gram negative bacilli
Authors: Sullivan Emily , Macias Jimenez Maria D , Moore Nicholas M
Published: September 2023

Background

Rapid detection of carbapenemase production in gram negative bacilli has important treatment considerations.

Objective

We evaluated a lateral flow assay (LFA) for carbapenemase production compared with molecular detection of 5 (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaIMP, and blaOXA-48) carbapenemase genes.

Methods

A total of 218 carbapenem nonsusceptible strains, including species of Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from clinical cultures were tested using the Cepheid Xpert Carba-R assay and the NG Biotech Carba-5 lateral flow immunoassay.

Results

Overall agreement with LFA was 98.2% with accuracy for each target >99% compared with polymerase chain reaction. Results were available within 15 minutes compared with 1 hour for molecular detection.

Conclusion

The use of accurate, rapid diagnostics compliments antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Revealing AGNs through TESS variability
Authors: Treiber Helena P , Hinkle Jason T , Fausnaugh Michael M , Shappee Benjamin J , Kochanek Christopher S , Vallely Patrick J , Auchettl Katie , Holoien Thomas W-S , Payne Anna V , Dai Xinyu
Published: September 2023

We used Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) data to identify 29 candidate active galactic nuclei (AGNs) through their optical variability. The high-cadence, high-precision TESS light curves present an opportunity for the identification of AGNs, including those not selected through other methods. Of the candidates, we found that 18 have either previously been identified as AGNs in the literature or could have been selected based on emission-line diagnostics, mid-IR colours, or X-ray luminosity. AGNs in low-mass galaxies offer a unique window into supermassive black hole and galaxy co-evolution and 8 of the 29 candidates have estimated black hole masses ≲ 106 M⊙. The low-mass galaxies NGC 4395 and NGC 4449 are two of our five ‘high-confidence’ candidates. Since our initial sample largely draws from just nine TESS sectors, we expect to identify at least ∼45 more candidates in the TESS primary and extended mission data sets, of which ∼60 per cent will be new AGNs and ∼20 per cent will be in low-mass galaxies.
Synthetic light-cone catalogues of modern redshift and weak lensing surveys with abacussummit
Authors: Hadzhiyska Boryana , Yuan S , Blake C , Eisenstein D J , Aguilar J , Ahlen S , Brooks D , Claybaugh T , de la Macorra A , Doel P , Emas N , Forero-Romero J E , Garcia-Quintero C , Ishak M , Joudaki S , Jullo E , Kehoe R , Kisner T , Kremin A , Krolewski A , Landriau M , Lange J U , Manera M , Miquel R , Nie Jundan , Poppett C , Porredon A , Rossi G , Ruggeri R , Saulder C , Schubnell M , Tarlé G , Weaver B A , Xhakaj E , Zhou Zhimin
Published: September 2023

The joint analysis of different cosmological probes, such as galaxy clustering and weak lensing, can potentially yield invaluable insights into the nature of the primordial Universe, dark energy, and dark matter. However, the development of high-fidelity theoretical models is a necessary stepping stone. Here, we present public high-resolution weak lensing maps on the light-cone, generated using the N-body simulation suite abacussummit, and accompanying weak lensing mock catalogues, tuned to the Early Data Release small-scale clustering measurements of the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument. Available in this release are maps of the cosmic shear, deflection angle, and convergence fields at source redshifts ranging from z = 0.15 to 2.45 as well as cosmic microwave background convergence maps for each of the 25 base-resolution simulations ($L_{\rm box} = 2000\, h^{-1}\, {\rm Mpc}$ and Npart = 69123) as well as for the two huge simulations ($L_{\rm box} = 7500\, h^{-1}\, {\rm Mpc}$ and Npart = 86403) at the fiducial abacussummit cosmology. The pixel resolution of each map is 0.21 arcmin, corresponding to a healpix Nside of 16 384. The sky coverage of the base simulations is an octant until z ≈ 0.8 (decreasing to about 1800 deg2 at z ≈ 2.4), whereas the huge simulations offer full-sky coverage until z ≈ 2.2. Mock lensing source catalogues are sampled matching the ensemble properties of the Kilo-Degree Survey, Dark Energy Survey, and Hyper Suprime-Cam data sets. The mock catalogues are validated against theoretical predictions for various clustering and lensing statistics, such as correlation multipoles, galaxy–shear, and shear–shear, showing excellent agreement. All products can be downloaded via a Globus endpoint (see Data Availability section).
The morphological transformation of ram pressure stripped galaxies: a pathway from late to early galaxy types
Authors: Marasco A , Poggianti B M , Fritz J , Werle A , Vulcani B , Moretti A , Gullieuszik M , Kulier A
Published: September 2023

We investigate how the ageing of stellar populations can drive a morphological transformation in galaxies whose star formation (SF) activity has been quenched on short time-scales, like in cluster galaxies subject to ram pressure stripping from the intracluster medium. For this purpose, we use a sample of 91 galaxies with MUSE data from the GAs Stripping Phenomena in galaxies with MUSE (GASP) programme and of their spatially resolved SF history derived with the spectral modelling software sinopsis. We simulate the future continuation of the SF activities by exploring two quenching scenarios: an instantaneous truncation of the SF across the whole disc, and an outside-in quenching with typical stripping time-scales of $0.5\,$ and $1\, {\rm Gyr}$. For each scenario, we produce mock MUSE spectroscopic data cubes and optical images for our galaxies during their evolution, and classify their morphology using a new diagnostic tool, calibrated on cluster galaxies from the OmegaWINGS Survey. We find that, in all scenarios considered, the initial galaxy population dominated by blue-cloud spirals ($\sim 90~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$) evolves into a mixed population mostly composed by red-sequence spirals ($50\!-\!55~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$) and lenticulars ($\sim 40~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$). The morphology transformation is completed after just 1.5–3.5 Gyr, proceeding faster in more efficient quenching scenarios. Our results indicate that, even without accounting for dynamical processes, SF quenching caused by the harsh environment of a cluster can significantly affect the morphology of the infalling galaxy population on timescales of a few Gyr.
Cosmic ray transport in large-amplitude turbulence with small-scale field reversals
Authors: Kempski Philipp , Fielding Drummond B , Quataert Eliot , Galishnikova Alisa K , Kunz Matthew W , Philippov Alexander A , Ripperda Bart
Published: September 2023

The nature of cosmic ray (CR) transport in the Milky Way remains elusive. The predictions of current microphysical CR transport models in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence are drastically different from what is observed. These models usually focus on MHD turbulence with a strong guide field and ignore the impact of turbulent intermittency on particle propagation. This motivates our studying the alternative regime of large-amplitude turbulence with δB/B0 ≫ 1, in which intermittent small-scale magnetic field reversals are ubiquitous. We study particle transport in such turbulence by integrating trajectories in stationary snapshots. To quantify spatial diffusion, we use a set-up with continuous particle injection and escape, which we term the turbulent leaky box. We find that particle transport is very different from the strong guide-field case. Low-energy particles are better confined than high-energy particles, despite less efficient pitch-angle isotropization at small energies. In the limit of weak guide field, energy-dependent confinement is driven by the energy-dependent (in)ability to follow reversing magnetic field lines exactly and by the scattering in regions of ‘resonant curvature’, where the field line bends on a scale that is of the order of the local particle gyro-radius. We derive a heuristic model of particle transport in magnetic folds that approximately reproduces the energy dependence of transport found numerically. We speculate that CR propagation in the Galaxy is regulated by the intermittent field reversals highlighted here and discuss the implications of our findings for CR transport in the Milky Way.
An astrometric approach to measuring the colour of an object
Authors: Guo B F , Peng Q Y , Fang X Q , Lin F R
Published: September 2023

The colour of a star is a critical feature to reflect its physical property such as the temperature. The colour index is usually obtained via absolute photometry, which is demanding for weather conditions and instruments. In this work, we present an astrometric method to measure the catalogue-matched colour index of an object based on the effect of differential colour refraction (DCR). Specifically, we can observe an object using only one filter or alternately using two different filters. Through the difference of the DCR effect compared with reference stars, the catalogue-matched colour index of an object can be conveniently derived. Hence, we can perform DCR calibration and obtain its accurate and precise positions even if observed with Null filter during a large range of zenith distances, by which the limiting magnitude and observational efficiency of the telescope can be significantly improved. This method takes advantage of the DCR effect and builds a link between astrometry and photometry. In practice, we measure the colour indices and positions of Himalia (the sixth satellite of Jupiter) using 857 CCD frames over 8 nights by two telescopes. Totally, the mean colour index BP − RP (Gaia photometric system) of Himalia is 0.750 ± 0.004 mag. Through the rotational phased colour index analysis, we find two places with their colour indices exceeding the mean ± 3σ.
CO and [C ii] line emission of molecular clouds: the impact of stellar feedback and non-equilibrium chemistry
Authors: Ebagezio S , Seifried D , Walch S , Nürnberger P C , Rathjen T-E , Naab T
Published: September 2023

We analyse synthetic 12CO, 13CO, and [C ii] emission maps of molecular cloud (MC) simulations from the SILCC-Zoom project. We present radiation, magnetohydrodynamic zoom-in simulations of individual clouds, both with and without radiative stellar feedback, forming in a turbulent multiphase interstellar medium following on-the-fly the evolution of e.g. H2, CO, and C+. We introduce a novel post-processing routine based on cloudy which accounts for higher ionization states of carbon due to stellar radiation in H ii regions. Synthetic emission maps of [C ii] in and around feedback bubbles show that the bubbles are largely devoid of [C ii], as recently found in observations, which we attribute to the further ionization of C+ into C2+. For both 12CO and 13CO, the cloud-averaged luminosity ratio, $L_\rm {CO}/L_\rm {[C\, \small {II}]}$, can neither be used as a reliable measure of the H2 mass fraction nor of the evolutionary stage of the clouds. We note a relation between the $I_\rm {CO}/I_\rm {[C\, \small {II}]}$ intensity ratio and the H2 mass fraction for individual pixels of our synthetic maps. The scatter, however, is too large to reliably infer the H2 mass fraction. Finally, the assumption of chemical equilibrium overestimates H2 and CO masses by up to 150 and 50 per cent, respectively, and $L_\rm {CO}$ by up to 60 per cent. The masses of H and C+ would be underestimated by 65 and 30 per cent, respectively, and $L_\rm {[C\, \small {II}]}$ by up to 35 per cent. Hence, the assumption of chemical equilibrium in MC simulations introduces intrinsic errors of a factor of 2 in chemical abundances, luminosities, and luminosity ratios.
Two-screen scattering in CRAFT FRBs
Authors: Sammons Mawson W , Deller Adam T , Glowacki Marcin , Gourdji Kelly , James C W , Prochaska J Xavier , Qiu Hao , Scott Danica R , Shannon R M , Trott C M
Published: September 2023

Temporal broadening is a commonly observed property of fast radio bursts (FRBs), associated with turbulent media which cause radiowave scattering. Similarly to dispersion, scattering is an important probe of the media along the line of sight to an FRB source, such as the circumburst or circumgalactic media (CGM). Measurements of characteristic scattering times alone are insufficient to constrain the position of the dominant scattering media along the line of sight. However, where more than one scattering screen exists, Galactic scintillation can be leveraged to form strong constraints. We quantify the scattering and scintillation in 10 FRBs with (1) known host galaxies and redshifts and (2) captured voltage data enabling high-time resolution analysis. We find strong evidence for two screens in three cases. For FRBs 20190608B and 20210320C, we find evidence for scattering screens less than approximately 16.7 and 3000 kpc, respectively, from their sources, consistent with the scattering occurring in the circumburst environment, the host interstellar medium (ISM) or the CGM. For FRB 20201124A, we find a low modulation index that evolves over the burst’s scattering tail, indicating the presence of a scattering screen ≈9 kpc from the host, and excluding the circumburst environment from potential scattering sites. By assuming that pulse broadening is contributed by the host galaxy ISM or circumburst environment, the lack of observed scintillation in four FRBs in our sample suggests that existing models may be poor estimators of scattering times associated with the Milky Way’s ISM, similar to the anomalously low scattering observed for FRB 20201124A.
Swift Deep Galactic Plane Survey classification of Swift J170800−402551.8 as a candidate intermediate polar cataclysmic variable
Authors: O’Connor B , Göğüş E , Hare J , Mukai K , Huppenkothen D , Brink J , Buckley D A H , Levan A , Baring M G , Stewart R , Kouveliotou C , Woudt P , Bellm E , Cenko S B , Evans P A , Granot J , Hailey C , Harrison F , Hartmann D , van der Horst A J , Kaper L , Kennea J A , Potter S B , Slane P O , Stern D , Wijers R A M J , Younes G
Published: September 2023

Here, we present the results of our multiwavelength campaign aimed at classifying Swift J170800−402551.8 as part of the Swift Deep Galactic Plane Survey (DGPS). We utilized Target of Opportunity (ToO) observations with the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, Chandra X-ray Observatory, Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER), X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM–Newton), Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), as well as multiwavelength archival observations from Gaia, VST Photometric Hα Survey, and VISTA Variables in the Via Lactea. The source displays a periodicity of 784 s in our XMM–Newton observation. The X-ray spectrum (XMM–Newton and NuSTAR) can be described by thermal bremsstrahlung radiation with a temperature of kT ≈ 30 keV. The phase-folded X-ray light curve displays a double-peaked, energy-dependent pulse profile. We used Chandra to precisely localize the source, allowing us to identify and study the multiwavelength counterpart. Spectroscopy with SALT identified a Balmer H α line, and potential He i lines, from the optical counterpart. The faintness of the counterpart (r ≈ 21 AB mag) favours a low-mass donor star. Based on these criteria, we classify Swift J170800−402551.8 as a candidate intermediate polar cataclysmic variable, where the spin period of the white dwarf is 784 s.
Search for directional associations between baikal gigaton volume detector neutrino-induced cascades and high-energy astrophysical sources
Authors: Allakhverdyan V A , Avrorin A D , Avrorin A V , Aynutdinov V M , Bardačová Z , Belolaptikov I A , Bondarev E A , Borina I V , Budnev N M , Chepurnov A S , Dik V Y , Domogatsky G V , Doroshenko A A , Dvornický R , Dyachok A N , Dzhilkibaev Zh-A M , Eckerová E , Elzhov T V , Fajt L , Gafarov A R , Golubkov K V , Gorshkov N S , Gress T I , Kebkal K G , Kharuk I , Khramov E V , Kolbin M M , Konischev K V , Korobchenko A V , Koshechkin A P , Kozhin V A , Kruglov M V , Kulepov V F , Lemeshev Y E , Milenin M B , Mirgazov R R , Naumov D V , Nikolaev A S , Petukhov D P , Pliskovsky E N , Rozanov M I , Ryabov E V , Safronov G B , Seitova D , Shaybonov B A , Shelepov M D , Shilkin S D , Shirokov E V , Šimkovic F , Sirenko A E , Skurikhin A V , Solovjev A G , Sorokovikov M N , Štekl I , Stromakov A P , Suvorova O V , Tabolenko V A , Ulzutuev B B , Yablokova Y V , Zaborov D N , Zavyalov S I , Zvezdov D Y , Kosogorov N A , Kovalev Y Y , Lipunova G V , Plavin A V , Semikoz D V , Troitsky S V ,   Baikal-GVD Collaboration
Published: September 2023

Baikal-GVD has recently published its first measurement of the diffuse astrophysical neutrino flux, performed using high-energy cascade-like events. We further explore the Baikal-GVD cascade data set collected in 2018–2022, with the aim to identify possible associations between the Baikal-GVD neutrinos and known astrophysical sources. We leverage the relatively high angular resolution of the Baikal-GVD neutrino telescope (2–3 deg.), made possible by the use of liquid water as the detection medium, enabling the study of astrophysical point sources even with cascade events. We estimate the telescope’s sensitivity in the cascade channel for high-energy astrophysical sources and refine our analysis prescriptions using Monte-Carlo simulations. We primarily focus on cascades with energies exceeding 100 TeV, which we employ to search for correlation with radio-bright blazars. Although the currently limited neutrino sample size provides no statistically significant effects, our analysis suggests a number of possible associations with both extragalactic and Galactic sources. Specifically, we present an analysis of an observed triplet of neutrino candidate events in the Galactic plane, focusing on its potential connection with certain Galactic sources, and discuss the coincidence of cascades with several bright and flaring blazars.
Constraining the geometry of the reflection nebula NGC 2023 with [O i]: emission & absorption
Authors: Mookerjea Bhaswati , Sandell Göran , Güsten Rolf , Wiesemeyer Helmut , Okada Yoko , Jacobs Karl
Published: September 2023

We have mapped the NGC 2023 reflection nebula in the 63 and 145 $\mu$m transitions of [O i] and the 158 $\mu$m [C ii] spectral lines using the heterodyne receiver upGREAT on SOFIA. The observations were used to identify the diffuse and dense components of the photon-dominated region (PDR) traced by the [C ii] and [O i] emission, respectively. The velocity-resolved observations reveal the presence of a significant column of low-excitation atomic oxygen, seen in absorption in the [O i] 63 $\mu$m spectra, amounting to about 20–60 per cent of the oxygen column seen in emission in the [O i] 145 $\mu$m spectra. Some self-absorption is also seen in [C ii], but for the most part it is hardly noticeable. The [C ii] and [O i] 63 $\mu$m spectra show strong red- and blue-shifted wings due to photoevaporation flows especially in the south-eastern and southern part of the reflection nebula, where comparison with the mid- and high-J CO emission indicates that the C+ region is expanding into a dense molecular cloud. Using a two-slab toy model the large-scale self-absorption seen in [O i] 63 $\mu$m is readily explained as originating in foreground low-excitation gas associated with the source. Similar columns have also been observed recently in other Galactic PDRs. These results have two implications: for the velocity-unresolved extragalactic observations this could impact the use of [O i] 63 $\mu$m as a tracer of massive star formation and secondly, the widespread self-absorption in [O i] 63 $\mu$m leads to underestimate of the column density of atomic oxygen derived from this tracer and necessitates the use of alternative indirect methods.
Paraxerus cepapi (Rodentia: Sciuridae)
Authors: Banotai Chris M , Mazzamuto Maria Vittoria , Koprowski John L
Published: September 2023

Paraxerus cepapi (A. Smith, 1836) is a rodent commonly called Smith’s bush squirrel. Pelage color varies throughout its distribution, with grayer individuals in the western reaches of its distribution and more brown individuals in eastern areas. Paraxerus cepapi is 1 of 11 species in the genus Paraxerus and is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers P. cepapi to be a species of “Least Concern” (LC), listing no major threats.
Alterations in EGFR and PDGFRA are associated with the localization of contrast-enhancing lesions in glioblastoma
Authors: Makino Ryutaro , Higa Nayuta , Akahane Toshiaki , Yonezawa Hajime , Uchida Hiroyuki , Takajo Tomoko , Fujio Shingo , Kirishima Mari , Hamada Taiji , Yamahata Hitoshi , Kamimura Kiyohisa , Yoshiura Takashi , Yoshimoto Koji , Tanimoto Akihide , Hanaya Ryosuke
Published: September 2023

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant brain tumor, with radiological and genetic heterogeneity. We examined the association between radiological characteristics and driver gene alterations.

Methods

We analyzed the driver genes of 124 patients with IDH wild-type GBM with contrast enhancement using magnetic resonance imaging. We used a next-generation sequencing panel to identify mutations in driver genes and matched them with radiological information. Contrast-enhancing lesion localization of GBMs was classified into 4 groups based on their relationship with the subventricular zone (SVZ) and cortex (Ctx).

Results

The cohort included 69 men (55.6%) and 55 women (44.4%) with a mean age of 66.4 ± 13.3 years. EGFR and PDGFRA alterations were detected in 28.2% and 22.6% of the patients, respectively. Contrast-enhancing lesion touching both the SVZ and Ctx was excluded because it was difficult to determine whether it originated from the SVZ or Ctx. Contrast-enhancing lesions touching the SVZ but not the Ctx had significantly worse overall survival than non-SVZ lesions (441 days vs. 897 days, P = .002). GBM touching only the Ctx had a better prognosis (901 days vs. 473 days, P < .001) than non-Ctx lesions and was associated with EGFR alteration (39.4% vs. 13.2%, P = .015). Multiple contrast lesions were predominant in PDGFRA alteration and RB1-wild type (P = .036 and P = .031, respectively).

Conclusions

EGFR alteration was associated with cortical lesions. And PDGFRA alteration correlated with multiple lesions. Our results suggest that clarifying the association between driver genes and tumor localization may be useful in clinical practice, including prognosis prediction.
Pectate lyase-like lubricates the male gametophyte's path toward its mating partner
Authors: Chebli Youssef , Geitmann Anja
Published: September 2023

The pollen tube is an extension of the male gametophyte in plants and mediates sexual reproduction by delivering the sperm cells to the female gametophyte. To accomplish this task, the elongating pollen tube must break through the thick wall of the pollen grain and penetrate multiple pistillar tissues. Both processes require the loosening of cell wall material—that of the pollen intine and that of the apoplast of the transmitting tract. The enzymatic toolbox for these cell wall modifying processes employed by the invading male gametophyte is elusive. We investigated the role of the pectin-digesting pectate lyase-like (PLL) by combining mutant analysis with microscopy observations, fluorescence recovery after photo-bleaching experiments, and immuno-detection. We show that in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), PLLs are required for intine loosening during the first steps of pollen tube germination. We provide evidence that during pollen tube elongation, PLLs are released by the pollen tube into the extracellular space, suggesting that they may be employed to soften the apoplast of the transmitting tissue. The synergistic enzymatic action of PLLs in the pollen grain, the pollen tube, and the transmitting track contribute to an effective fertilization process.
Arabidopsis ACYL CARRIER PROTEIN4 and RHOMBOID LIKE10 act independently in chloroplast phosphatidate synthesis
Authors: Xu Yang , Kambhampati Shrikaar , Morley Stewart A , Cook Ron , Froehlich John , Allen Doug K , Benning Christoph
Published: September 2023

ACYL CARRIER PROTEIN4 (ACP4) is the most abundant ACP isoform in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaves and acts as a scaffold for de novo fatty acid biosynthesis and as a substrate for acyl-ACP-utilizing enzymes. Recently, ACP4 was found to interact with a protein-designated plastid RHOMBOID LIKE10 (RBL10) that affects chloroplast monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) biosynthesis, but the cellular function of this interaction remains to be explored. Here, we generated and characterized acp4 rbl10 double mutants to explore whether ACP4 and RBL10 directly interact in influencing chloroplast lipid metabolism. Alterations in the content and molecular species of chloroplast lipids such as MGDG and phosphatidylglycerol were observed in the acp4 and rbl10 mutants, which are likely associated with the changes in the size and profiles of diacylglycerol (DAG), phosphatidic acid (PA), and acyl-ACP precursor pools. ACP4 contributed to the size and profile of the acyl-ACP pool and interacted with acyl-ACP-utilizing enzymes, as expected for its role in fatty acid biosynthesis and chloroplast lipid assembly. RBL10 appeared to be involved in the conversion of PA to DAG precursors for MGDG biosynthesis as evidenced by the increased 34:x PA and decreased 34:x DAG in the rbl10 mutant and the slow turnover of radiolabeled PA in isolated chloroplasts fed with [14C] acetate. Interestingly, the impaired PA turnover in rbl10 was partially reversed in the acp4 rbl10 double mutant. Collectively, this study shows that ACP4 and RBL10 affect chloroplast lipid biosynthesis by modulating substrate precursor pools and appear to act independently.
Engineering Candida boidinii formate dehydrogenase for activity with the non-canonical cofactor 3′-NADP(H)
Authors: Vainstein Salomon , Banta Scott
Published: September 2023

Oxidoreductases catalyze essential redox reactions, and many require a diffusible cofactor for electron transport, such as NAD(H). Non-canonical cofactor analogs have been explored as a means to create enzymatic reactions that operate orthogonally to existing metabolism. Here, we aimed to engineer the formate dehydrogenase from Candid boidinii (CbFDH) for activity with the non-canonical cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide 3′-phosphate (3′-NADP(H)). We used PyRosetta, the Cofactor Specificity Reversal Structural Analysis and Library Design (CSR-SALAD), and structure-guided saturation mutagenesis to identify mutations that enable CbFDH to use 3′-NADP+. Two single mutants, D195A and D195G, had the highest activities with 3′-NADP+, while the double mutant D195G/Y196S exhibited the highest cofactor selectivity reversal behavior. Steady state kinetic analyses were performed; the D195A mutant exhibited the highest KTS value with 3′-NADP+. This work compares the utility of computational approaches for cofactor specificity engineering while demonstrating the engineering of an important enzyme for novel non-canonical cofactor selectivity.
Post–COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness Compromises Long-Term Functional Status
Authors: Schmidt Débora , Margarites Ane Glauce , Alvarenga Letícia Pinto Krás Borges , Paesi Priscilla Moliterni , Friedman Gilberto , Sbruzzi Graciele
Published: September 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness (ICUAW) on the functional independence of patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) over 6 months after ICU discharge.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study that included patients who were admitted to the ICU because of COVID-19 and who were monitored for 6 months after discharge from the ICU via telephone. Patients were evaluated at 3 times (30 days, 3 months, and 6 months after discharge from the ICU) for functional independence for personal care and mobility activities (Barthel Scale), independence for self-care (Katz Index), impact of COVID-19 on functional status (post–COVID-19 Functional Status Scale [PCFS]), and mobility level (ICU Mobility Scale). The existence of some degree of dependence was considered when the Barthel Scale score was <100 points, the Katz Index was ≥1, and the PCFS score was ≥1. A PCFS score of ≥3 indicated moderate or severe dependence. Patients with a Medical Research Council score of <48 at discharge from the ICU were diagnosed with ICUAW.

Results

Sixty-eight patients were included, with a mean age of 51 (SD = 13) years. The ICUAW rate at ICU discharge was 35%. In the evaluation with the PCFS, the values for the presence of any functional limitation at 30 days, 3 months, and 6 months after ICU discharge were 89.7%, 57.4%, and 38.2%, respectively. The rate of persistence of functional limitations after 6 months was higher in patients with ICUAW than in those without ICUAW (66.7% vs 22.8%; P = .000); the same was true for moderate or severe limitations (20.8% vs 4.5%; P = .035). Likewise, functional independence for personal care, mobility, and self-care activities was poorer in patients with ICUAW.

Conclusions

In patients surviving an ICU stay due to COVID-19, decreased functional independence persists even 6 months after discharge, and patients with ICUAW have worse outcomes.

Impact

Patients who survive ICU stays due to COVID-19 continue to have greater functional dependence even 6 months after ICU discharge.
Effectiveness of Functional or Aerobic Exercise Combined With Breathing Techniques in Telerehabilitation for Patients With Long COVID: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Espinoza-Bravo Claudia , Arnal-Gómez Anna , Martínez-Arnau Francisco Miguel , Núñez-Cortés Rodrigo , Hernández-Guillén David , Flor-Rufino Cristina , Cortés-Amador Sara
Published: September 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the short-term clinical effects of 2 telerehabilitation programs, functional versus aerobic exercises (AEs), both combined with breathing techniques, regarding the improvement of long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted. The participants were assigned randomly to either the functional exercise (FE) group or AE group, both including breathing techniques. The interventions lasted for 8 weeks with 3 sessions per week, and they were conducted through the Fisiotrack mobile phone application. Assessments were performed at baseline and after treatment, including testing fatigue (Fatigue Assessment Scale), dyspnea (London Chest Activity of Daily Living Scale), functional performance (30 Seconds Standing Test), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Questionnaire), and quality of life (European Quality of Life Scale). The perceived change after treatment (Patient Global Impression of Change Scale), the usability of the application (System Usability Scale), and the adherence to treatment were also examined after treatment.

Results

In total, 43 participants (FE group, n = 21; AE group, n = 22; mean age = 42.4 [SD = 6.5] years) completed the study. In the intragroup comparison, the FE group showed improved fatigue (−6.7 points; 95% CI = −11.9 to −1.3), functional capacity (2.6 repetitions; 95% CI = 0.3 to 4.9), and perceived stress (−4.9 points; 95% CI = −9.1 to 0.8), while the AE group showed improved perceived stress (−6.2 points; 95% CI = −10.3 to −2.1). No significant differences in the intergroup effect were identified for the studied variables. Significant differences were observed in the Patient Global Impression of Change Scale in favor of the FE group compared to the AE group, and quality of life reached the minimal clinically important difference for both groups. The ease of use of the telerehabilitation tool was rated excellent in both groups.

Conclusions

Both telerehabilitation exercise modalities are effective at improving stress symptoms and quality of life in patients with long COVID-19. For improving fatigue and functional performance, FE shows more promising results.

Impact

FE or AE may be recommended depending on patients’ symptoms, and both may improve quality of life and stress symptoms in patients with long COVID-19. Telerehabilitation may be an optimal intervention modality for the prescription of physical exercise in patients with long COVID-19.
Effects of Comprehensive Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation on Exercise Capacity, Functional Status, and Quality of Life in People With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gore Shweta , Khanna Hargun , Kumar Amit
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis to examine the impact of comprehensive outpatient cardiac rehabilitation on exercise capacity, functional status, and quality of life in patients with heart failure.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL were searched using keywords and MeSH terms on heart failure and cardiac rehabilitation. Randomized clinical trials published in English using outpatient exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in patients with heart failure were included. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was utilized for quality appraisal. Pooled estimates were computed using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs. Primary outcomes were functional status (6-minute walk distance, quality of life, exercise capacity using peak oxygen consumption, muscle strength, and endurance).

Results

Eleven randomized controlled trials including 1523 participants ranging from 45 to 80 years old and an intervention duration ranging from 2 to 26 weeks were analyzed. Pooled results indicated significant improvements with comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation on 6-minute walk distance (SMD = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.06 to 0.54) and oxygen consumption (SMD = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.06 to 0.40). However, there was no additional benefit for the quality of life beyond that seen in the comparison groups.

Conclusion

Results of this study suggest that comprehensive outpatient cardiac rehabilitation is associated with significantly better clinical outcomes than single-component exercise programs in cardiac rehabilitation settings, multicomponent exercise in noncardiac rehabilitation settings, or no exercise.

Impact

Heart failure is significantly associated with an increased risk of poor exercise tolerance. Despite the proven benefit of cardiac rehabilitation on exercise tolerance and physical activities from individual randomized clinical trials, questions regarding its impact on clinical outcomes such as exercise capacity, functional status, and quality of life remain inadequate. This systematic review and meta-analysis provides strong evidence supporting comprehensive outpatient cardiac rehabilitation for improving clinical outcomes in heart failure.