bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic activity and development of Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in response to exogenous calcium treatments of kidney bean plants
Authors: Qiu Xin-Yue , Huang Wan-Qing , Zeng Guang , Yue Wen-Bo , Zhang Chang-Yu , Zhi Jun-Rui
Published: January 2024

Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is an agricultural pest threatening various horticultural crops worldwide. Inducing plant resistance is an ecologically beneficial and potentially effective method for controlling F. occidentalis. As an essential nutrient element, exogenous calcium enhances plant-induced resistance. This study investigated the effects of CaCl2 on the secondary metabolites of kidney bean plants and detoxifying and digestive enzymes in F. occidentalis. We found that treatment of plants and treatment time and also the interactions of the 2 factors significantly affected secondary metabolites contents (tannin, flavonoids, total phenol, alkaloid, and lignin) of kidney bean leaves, which indicated that that the effect of treatment of plants on secondary metabolites varied with treatment time. Moreover, when thrips fed on CaCl2-treated plants, the activities of detoxifying enzymes, enzymes glutathione S-transferase and cytochrome P450 substantially increased compared to those in which thrips fed on control plants. However, the activity of carboxylesterase significantly decreased. The detoxifying enzyme genes CL992.contig6, CYP4PN1, and CYP4PJ2 were significantly upregulated at 24 and 48 h. The activities of digestive enzymes (α-amylase, chymotrypsin, and lipase) increased substantially in F. occidentalis. The digestive enzyme gene, FoAMY-1, was significantly upregulated at 24 and 48 h after treatment. The pupation rate and pupal weight of F. occidentalis were significantly reduced. The results indicated that exogenous CaCl2-induced metabolic changes in kidney bean plants and altered the enzymatic activity and development of F. occidentalis that fed upon them.
Characterizing the effect of longwall retreating speeds on overburden and surface synergistic subsidence behaviors with a thick coal seam: intensive field measurements
Authors: Wang Qiang , Ren Zhaopeng , Bai Qingsheng , Li Quansheng
Published: January 2024

The 12 401 longwall face in the Shangwan coal mine currently boasts one of the largest mining height (>8.0 m) longwall faces in the world. In-depth field measurements, including overburden movement, surface subsidence and fissure, and shield support loads, were conducted to elucidate the subsidence and damage behaviors induced by high-intensity mining. The findings identified three control rock strata (CRS1, CRS2, and CRS3), which dominate the formation of two subsidence modes (‘two zones’ and ‘three zones’) depending on longwall retreating speed. CRS1 and CRS2 collectively affect the variation of shield support loads. CRS2 governs the movement of the entire overburden, and its rupture precipitates swift subsidence. CRS3, characterized by thick soft rock with robust expansion and bending resistances, serves as a buffer, mitigating displacements caused by the breakage of CRS2. It is instrumental in shaping the ‘three-zone’ overburden structure. At lower retreating speeds, the height of the water-conduction fracture zone (Hwf) is ∼200 m, contrasting with 120.47–134.46 m for higher retreating speeds. The CRS2 manifests as a ‘step rock beam’ at lower retreating speeds, causing a maximum surface subsidence of 6315 mm. Conversely, under higher retreating speeds, it adopts a ‘masonry beam’ structure, resulting in a maximum surface subsidence of 4947 mm. The distribution of ground fissures is significantly affected by retreating speed, aligning closely with the breakage steps of the control rock strata. Our study offers robust scientific insights into preventing mining damage and promoting ecologically sustainable mining practices.
Injection moulding process parameter and strain rate dependence mechanical properties measurement and theoretical estimation of EVA polymer foam
Authors: Tsang Yuk-Wah , Fu Hsiao-Ju , Huang Pei-Chen , Yadav Bishnu-Nand , Liu De-Shin
Published: January 2024

In this study, the combined experimental and theoretical estimation on elastic characteristics of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) copolymer material is demonstrated. Strain rate dependence stress–strain behavior of EVA in raw and foam material form are measured by the quasi static and dynamic compression test. Simultaneously, the influence of different mould temperature and injection pressure on mechanical properties of EVA foam are investigated. According to the usage scenario of EVA foam in sport footwear application, the EVA foam is generally deformed under higher strain rate as compared with the quasi-static compression condition. For this reason, the stress–strain behavior of EVA foam under high strain rates of 2.66 × 10−3 and 2.66 × 10−2 s−1 are estimated. The analytic results revealed that the strain rate slightly enhanced the modulus of EVA foam, and the foregoing strain rate effect is substituting into the classic Young's modulus estimation equation of closed cell cellular solid. Accordingly, the strain rate dependence Young's modulus of EVA foam is successfully estimated by both experiment and theoretical estimation.
Enhanced induction of abnormal telomere FISH signals in response to oxidative DNA damage
Authors: Sakamoto Yoshimi , Shiraishi Kazunori , Kodama Seiji
Published: January 2024

Telomere dysfunction induces chromosomal instability, which is a driving force in the development of cancers. To examine X-irradiation’s effect on telomere integrity, we investigated X-ray-induced abnormalities in telomere signals detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (telomere FISH) in mouse embryo fibroblast cells. The abnormalities were categorized as either extra telomere signals (ETSs) or loss of telomere signals (LTSs). The results indicated that low doses (0.3–0.5 Gy) of X-rays significantly induced ETS but not LTS and that ETS induction was saturated at doses above 0.5 Gy. In addition, treatment with hydrogen peroxide also induced ETS but not LTS. To clarify the involvement of radicals in inducing ETS, we examined the effect of ascorbic acid (AsA) on telomere FISH signals and found that pre-treatment with AsA (5 mM, 2 h), but not post-treatment, significantly suppressed the induction of ETS by X-irradiation. Importantly, neither pre- nor post-treatment with AsA affected X-ray-induced chromosome aberrations. These results suggest that oxidative DNA damage induced by radicals is involved in the induction of ETS. Furthermore, combined treatment with aphidicolin, a DNA replication inhibitor, elevated the induction of ETS by X-irradiation. This observation suggests that DNA replication stress, potentially triggered by oxidative DNA lesions within telomeres, may contribute to the induction of ETS resulting from X-irradiation. Based on these results, we propose that ETS is a sensitive biological marker of oxidative DNA damage in telomere structures.
Anaphylaxis onboard commercial aircraft: what can we learn from post event safety reports?
Authors: Ghatora Karan S , Cairns Mark K
Published: January 2024

This letter details a review of safety reports submitted to the UK Civil Aviation Authority over a 5-year period relating to severe allergic reactions. No trend of seasonality and evidence of aerosolisation were found. Reports were 4.8 times more likely to be submitted on an inbound flight than an outbound flight.
Transcription factors RhbZIP17 and RhWRKY30 enhance resistance to Botrytis cinerea by increasing lignin content in rose petals
Authors: Li Dandan , Li Xiaomei , Wang Zicheng , Wang Haochen , Gao Junzhao , Liu Xintong , Zhang Zhao
Published: January 2024

The petals of ornamental plants such as roses (Rosa spp.) are the most economically important organs. This delicate, short-lived plant tissue is highly susceptible to pathogens, in large part because the walls of petal cells are typically thinner and more flexible compared with leaf cells, allowing the petals to fold and bend without breaking. The cell wall is a dynamic structure that rapidly alters its composition in response to pathogen infection, thereby reinforcing its stability and boosting plant resistance against diseases. However, little is known about how dynamic changes in the cell wall contribute to resistance to Botrytis cinerea in rose petals. Here, we show that the B. cinerea-induced transcription factor RhbZIP17 is required for the defense response of rose petals. RhbZIP17 is associated with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and binds to the promoter of the lignin biosynthesis gene RhCAD1, activating its expression. Lignin content showed a significant increase under gray mold infection compared with the control. RhCAD1 functions in the metabolic regulation of lignin production and, consequently, disease resistance, as revealed by transient silencing and overexpression in rose petals. The WRKY transcription factor RhWRKY30 is also required to activate RhCAD1 expression and enhance resistance against B. cinerea. We propose that RhbZIP17 and RhWRKY30 increase lignin biosynthesis, improve the resistance of rose petals to B. cinerea, and regulate RhCAD1 expression.
A joint SRG/eROSITA + ZTF search: Discovery of a 97-min period eclipsing cataclysmic variable with evidence of a brown dwarf secondary
Authors: Galiullin Ilkham , Rodriguez Antonio C , Kulkarni Shrinivas R , Sunyaev Rashid , Gilfanov Marat , Bikmaev Ilfan , Yungelson Lev , van Roestel Jan , Gänsicke Boris T , Khamitov Irek , Szkody Paula , El-Badry Kareem , Suslikov Mikhail , Prince Thomas A , Buntov Mikhail , Caiazzo Ilaria , Gorbachev Mark , Graham Matthew J , Gumerov Rustam , Irtuganov Eldar , Laher Russ R , Medvedev Pavel , Riddle Reed , Rusholme Ben , Sakhibullin Nail , Sklyanov Alexander , Vanderbosch Zachary P
Published: January 2024

Cataclysmic variables (CVs) that have evolved past the period minimum during their lifetimes are predicted to be systems with a brown dwarf donor. While population synthesis models predict that around 40–70 per cent of the Galactic CVs are post-period minimum systems referred to as ‘period bouncers’, only a few dozen confirmed systems are known. We report the study and characterization of a new eclipsing CV, SRGeJ041130.3+685350 (SRGeJ0411), discovered from a joint SRG/eROSITA and ZTF programme. The optical spectrum of SRGeJ0411 shows prominent hydrogen and helium emission lines, typical for CVs. We obtained optical high-speed photometry to confirm the eclipse of SRGeJ0411 and determine the orbital period to be Porb ≈ 97.530 min. The spectral energy distribution suggests that the donor has an effective temperature of ≲ 1800 K. We constrain the donor mass with the period–density relationship for Roche lobe-filling stars and find that Mdonor ≲ 0.04 M⊙. The binary parameters are consistent with evolutionary models for post-period minimum CVs, suggesting that SRGeJ0411 is a new period bouncer. The optical emission lines of SRGeJ0411 are single-peaked despite the system being eclipsing, which is typically only seen due to stream-fed accretion in polars. X-ray spectroscopy hints that the white dwarf in SRGeJ0411 could be magnetic, but verifying the magnetic nature of SRGeJ0411 requires further investigation. The lack of optical outbursts has made SRGeJ0411 elusive in previous surveys, and joint X-ray and optical surveys highlight the potential for discovering similar systems in the near future.
The rotation curve and mass distribution of M31
Authors: Zhang Xiangwei , Chen Bingqiu , Chen Pinjian , Sun Jiarui , Tian Zhijia
Published: January 2024

To gain a better understanding of the Andromeda galaxy M31 and its role in the Local Group, measuring its mass precisely is essential. In this work, we have constructed the rotation curve of M31 out to ∼125 kpc using 13 679 M31 objects obtained from various sources, including the LAMOST data release 9 (LAMOST DR9), the DESI survey, and relevant literature. We divide all objects in our sample into bulge, disc, and halo components. For the sources in the M31 disc, we have measured their circular velocities by a kinematic model with asymmetric drift corrections. For the bulge and halo objects, we calculate their velocity dispersions and use the spherical and projected Jeans equation to obtain the circular velocities. Our findings indicate a nearly isotropic nature for the M31 bulge, while the halo exhibits tangential anisotropy. The results show that the rotation curve remains constant at ∼220 km s−1 up to radius ∼25 kpc and gradually decreases to ∼170 km s−1 further out. Based on the newly determined rotation curve, we have constructed a mass distribution model for M31. Our measurement of the M31 virial mass is $M_{\rm vir} = 1.14^{+0.51}_{-0.35} \times 10^{12} M_\odot$ within rvir = 220 ± 25 kpc.
Panchromatic (Sub)millimeter polarization observations of HL Tau unveil aligned scattering grains
Authors: Lin Zhe-Yu Daniel , Li Zhi-Yun , Stephens Ian W , Fernández-López Manuel , Carrasco-González Carlos , Chandler Claire J , Pasetto Alice , Looney Leslie W , Yang Haifeng , Harrison Rachel E , Sadavoy Sarah I , Henning Thomas , Hughes A Meredith , Kataoka Akimasa , Kwon Woojin , Muto Takayuki , Segura-Cox Dominique
Published: January 2024

Polarization is a unique tool to study the dust grains of protoplanetary discs. Polarization around HL Tau was previously imaged using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) at Bands 3 (3.1 mm), 6 (1.3 mm), and 7 (0.87 mm), showing that the polarization orientation changes across wavelength λ. Polarization at Band 7 is predominantly parallel to the disc minor axis but appears azimuthally oriented at Band 3, with the morphology at Band 6 in between the two. We present new ∼0.2 arcsec (29 au) polarization observations at Q-Band (7.0 mm) using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) and at Bands 4 (2.1 mm), 5 (1.5 mm), and 7 using ALMA, consolidating HL Tau’s position as the protoplanetary disc with the most complete wavelength coverage in dust polarization. The polarization patterns at Bands 4 and 5 follow the previously identified morphological transition with wavelength. From the azimuthal variation, we decompose the polarization into contributions from scattering (s) and thermal emission (t). s decreases slowly with increasing λ, and t increases more rapidly which are expected from optical depth effects of toroidally aligned scattering prolate grains. The weak λ dependence of s is inconsistent with the simplest case of Rayleigh scattering by small grains in the optically thin limit but can be affected by factors such as optical depth, disc substructure, and dust porosity. The sparse polarization detections from the Q-band image are also consistent with toroidally aligned prolate grains.
Accretion and obscuration in merger-dominated luminous red quasars
Authors: Glikman Eilat , LaMassa Stephanie , Piconcelli Enrico , Zappacosta Luca , Lacy Mark
Published: January 2024

We present an analysis of the X-ray properties of 10 luminous, dust-reddened quasars from the FIRST-2MASS (F2M) survey based on new and archival Chandra observations. These systems are interpreted to be young, transitional objects predicted by merger-driven models of quasar/galaxy co-evolution. The sources have been well studied from the optical through mid-infrared, have Eddington ratios above 0.1, and possess high-resolution imaging, most of which shows disturbed morphologies indicative of a recent or ongoing merger. When combined with previous X-ray studies of five other F2M red quasars, we find that the sources, especially those hosted by mergers, have moderate-to-high column densities (NH ≃ 1022.5–23.5 cm−2) and Eddington ratios high enough to enable radiation pressure to blow out the obscuring material. We confirm previous findings that red quasars have dust-to-gas ratios that are significantly lower than the value for the Milky Way’s interstellar medium, especially when hosted by a merger. The dust-to-gas ratio for two red quasars that lack evidence for merging morphology is consistent with the Milky Way and they do not meet the radiative feedback conditions for blow-out. These findings support the picture of quasar/galaxy co-evolution in which a merger results in feeding of and feedback from an AGN. We compare the F2M red quasars to other obscured and reddened quasar populations in the literature, finding that, although morphological information is lacking, nearly all such samples meet blow-out conditions and exhibit outflow signatures suggestive of winds and feedback.
Disposition of glycolic acid into the embryo following oral administration of ethylene glycol during placentation in the rat and rabbit
Authors: Moore Nigel P , Bogaards Jan J P , Buscher Brigitte A P , Wolterbeek André P M , Cnubben Nicole H P
Published: January 2024

In order to evaluate the role of the placenta in the etiology of ethylene glycol (EG) developmental toxicity, the distribution of EG and its main metabolites, glycolic acid (GA) and oxalic acid (OX), into the conceptus was determined at the beginning and completion of placentation in the rat and rabbit. Two groups (n = 28) of timed-pregnant Wistar rats were administered EG (1000 mg/kg bw/day, oral gavage) from gestation day (GD) 6 to either GD 11 or GD 16; similarly, two groups (n = 28) of timed-pregnant New Zealand White rabbits were administered EG from GD 6 to either GD 10 or GD 19. Four animals from each group were sacrificed at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, or 24 h after the final administration, and maternal blood, extraembryonic fluid, and embryonic tissue were removed for analysis of EG, GA, and OX. The three analytes were predominantly cleared from all compartments in both species within 24 h. Neither EG nor OX preferentially accumulated into the conceptus compartments, compared with the maternal blood, in either species. Critically, GA was preferentially accumulated from the maternal blood only into the rat embryo at GD 11, but not at GD 16 and not into the rabbit embryo at either GD 10 or GD 19. The accumulation of GA into the rat embryo, and its decline over the course of placentation, is discussed in relation to the expression of monocarboxylate transporter isoforms across the syncytiotrophoblast.
Molecular Identification and Characterization of Novel Taxonomic Subgroups and New Host Plants in 16SrI and 16SrII Group Phytoplasmas and Their Evolutionary Diversity on Hainan Island, China
Authors: Che Haiyan , Yu Shaoshuai , Chen Wang , Zheng Wenhu , Cao Xueren , Luo Daquan
Published: January 2024

Phytoplasmas are a group of plant prokaryotic pathogens distributed worldwide. To comprehensively reveal the diversity of the pathogens and the diseases they cause on Hainan, a tropical island with abundant biodiversity in China, a survey of phytoplasmal diseases was performed from 2009 to 2022. Herein, molecular identification and genetic analysis were conducted based on the conserved genes of phytoplasmas. The results indicated that phytoplasmas could be detected in 138 samples from 18 host plants among 215 samples suspected to be infected by the pathogens. The phytoplasma strains from 27 diseased samples of 4 host plants belonged to the 16SrI group and the strains from 111 samples of 14 hosts belonged to the 16SrII group. Among them, 12 plants, including important tropical cash crops such as Phoenix dactylifera, cassava, sugarcane, and Piper nigrum, were first identified as hosts of phytoplasmas on Hainan Island. Based on BLAST and iPhyClassifier analyses, seven novel 16Sr subgroups were proposed to describe the relevant phytoplasma strains, comprising the 16SrI-AP, 16SrI-AQ, and 16SrI-AR subgroups within the 16SrI group and the 16SrII-Y, 16SrII-Z, 16SrII-AB, and 16SrII-AC subgroups within the 16SrII group. Genetic variation and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the phytoplasma strains identified in this study and those reported previously on Hainan Island mainly belong to four 16Sr groups (including I, II, V, and XXXII) and could infect 44 host plants, among which the 16SrI and 16SrII groups were the prevalent 16Sr groups associated with 43 host plant species. The diversity of host plants infected by the phytoplasmas made it difficult to monitor and control their related diseases. Therefore, strengthening inspection and quarantine during the introduction and transit of the related phytoplasmal host crops would effectively curb the spread and prevalence of the phytoplasmas and their related lethal diseases.
Radiologic and Clinical Evaluation of Posterolateral Versus Transforaminal Interbody Fusion in Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Authors: McDonald James , Al-Jahdali Fares , Urquhart Jennifer , Alahmari Abdulmajeed , Rampersaud Raja , Fisher Charles , Bailey Chris , Glennie Andrew
Published: January 2024

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

The primary objective is to compare foraminal height (FH) and disk height (DH) differences in posterolateral (PLF) and transforaminal interbody fusions (TLIFs) and secondarily correlate these measurements with patient-reported outcomes.

Background:

The impact FH has on patient outcomes in degenerative lumbar spinal fusion surgery is unknown. Postoperative FH change and how it relates to patient-reported outcomes in posteriorly based procedures has not been well evaluated.

Methods:

A retrospective review of a subset of patients from a prospective cohort from the Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network was undertaken. Radiographic assessment preoperatively, at 3 months and 1 year, with standing lumbar spine radiographs were completed. FH and DH were recorded at each time interval, differences between groups were compared, and correlations with patient-reported outcomes were assessed.

Results:

One hundred nine patients were included (23 PLF and 86 TLIF). At 3-month follow-up, the change in FH was greater in the TLIF group (mean difference =2.3; 95% CI: 0.8–3.5, P=0.002). The change in FH remained significantly different at 12 months (mean difference=1.6, 95% CI: 0.2, 3.0 mm, P=0.028). The change in DH was greater in the TLIF group, with a mean difference between groups of 4.1 mm (95% CI: 2.5, 5.7, P<0.001) and 3.6 mm (95% CI: 2.0, 5.3, P<0.001). A positive change in FH correlated with less back pain, less disability, and improved physical function in the TLIF group (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

Patients treated with PLF lost FH over time. An increased difference in FH at 1 year was associated with improved function and less back pain in the TLIF group.
Factors Associated With Healthcare Clinician Stress and Resilience: A Scoping Review
Authors: Usset Timothy J. , Stratton R. Greg , Knapp Sarah , Schwartzman Gabrielle , Yadav Sunil K. , Schaefer Benjamin J. , Harris J. Irene , Fitchett George
Published: January 2024

Goal:

Clinician stress and resilience have been the subjects of significant research and interest in the past several decades. We aimed to understand the factors that contribute to clinician stress and resilience in order to appropriately guide potential interventions.

Methods:

We conducted a scoping review (n = 42) of published reviews of research on clinician distress and resilience using the methodology of Peters and colleagues (2020). Our team examined these reviews using the National Academy of Medicine's framework for clinician well-being and resilience.

Principal Findings:

We found that organizational factors, learning/practice environment, and healthcare responsibilities were three of the top four factors identified in the reviews as contributing to clinician distress. Learning/practice environment and organizational factors were two of the top four factors identified in the reviews as contributing to their resilience.

Practical Applications:

Clinicians continue to face numerous external challenges that complicate their work. Further research, practice, and policy changes are indicated to improve practice environments for healthcare clinicians. Healthcare leaders need to promote resources for organizational and system-level changes to improve clinician well-being.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Heroin, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine Use, Treatment, and Mortality Trends in 3 National Data Sources—United States, 2010-2019
Authors: Shearer Riley D. , Segel Joel E. , Howell Benjamin A. , Jones Abenaa A. , Khatri Utsha G. , Teixeira da Silva Daniel , Vest Noel , Winkelman Tyler N.A.
Published: January 2024

Background:

As overdose deaths continue to rise, public health officials need comprehensive surveillance data to design effective prevention, harm reduction, and treatment strategies. Disparities across race and ethnicity groups, as well as trends in substance use, treatment, or overdose deaths, have been examined individually, but reports rarely compare findings across multiple substances or data sources.

Objective:

To provide a broad assessment of the overdose crisis, we describe trends in substance use, treatment, and overdose mortality across racial and ethnic groups for multiple substances.

Research Design:

We conducted a longitudinal, cross-sectional analysis comparing trends.

Subjects:

We identified self-reported use from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, substance use treatment admissions from the Treatment Episode Data Set-Admissions, and overdose deaths from the CDC’s Multiple Cause of Death files.

Measures:

We measured rates of substance use, treatment, and deaths involving heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine among United States adults from 2010 to 2019.

Results:

Heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine use increased, though not all changes were statistically significant. Treatment admissions indicating heroin and methamphetamine increased while admissions indicating cocaine decreased. Overdose deaths increased among all groups: methamphetamine (257%–1,115%), heroin (211%–577%), and cocaine (88%–259%). Changes in rates of use, treatment, and death for specific substances varied by racial and ethnic group.

Conclusions:

Substance use, treatment, and overdose mortality changed considerably, though not always equivalently. Identifying diverging trends in substance-related measures for specific substances and racial and ethnic groups can inform targeted investment in treatment to reduce disparities and respond to emerging changes in the overdose crisis.
Impact of Medical Training Programs on Time-to-Fill Physician Vacancies at the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Li Yufei , Legler Aaron , Tenso Kertu , Garrido Melissa , Pizer Steven
Published: January 2024

Background:

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides the largest Graduate Medical Education (GME) training platform for health professionals in the United States. Studies on the impact of VA GME programs on physician recruitment were lacking.

Objectives:

To examine the impact of the size of residency training programs at a VA facility on the facility’s time-to-fill physician vacancies, and whether the impact differs by the socioeconomic deprivation and public school quality of the geographic area.

Project Design:

We constructed an instrumental variable for training program size by interacting the facility clinicians share with the total training allocation nationally.

Subjects:

Our evaluation used national data on filled physician vacancies in the VA that were posted between 2020 and 2021.

Measures:

The outcome evaluated was time-to-fill physician vacancies. Our explanatory variable was the facility-year level number of physician residency slots.

Results:

For positions posted in 2020, an increase of one training slot was significantly associated with a decrease of 1.33 days to fill physician vacancies (95% CI, 0.38–2.28) in facilities in less deprived areas, a decrease of 1.50 days (95% CI, 0.75–2.25) in facilities with better public schools, a decrease of 3.30 days (95% CI, 0.85–5.76) in facilities in both less deprived areas and better public schools. We found similar results for positions posted in 2020 and 2021 when limiting time-to-fill to <500 days.

Conclusions:

We found that increasing the size of the residency program at a VA facility could decrease the facility’s time-to-fill vacant physician positions in places with less socioeconomic deprivation or better public schools.
Knee replacement surgery in a patient with acquired von Willebrand disease: a case study with recommendations for patient management
Authors: Álvarez Román María Teresa , Rivas Pollmar María Isabel , De la Corte-Rodríguez Hortensia , Gómez-Cardero Primitivo , Rodríguez-Merchán E. Carlos , Gutiérrez-Alvariño Mar , García-Pérez Eduardo , Martín-Salces Mónica , Zagrean Damaris , Butta-Coll Nora V. , Jiménez-Yuste Víctor
Published: January 2024

Introduction and importance:

Acquired von Willebrand disease (AvWD) is a rare underdiagnosed bleeding disorder caused by alterations in the levels of the major blood-clotting protein von Willebrand factor (vWF). The clinical and laboratory parameters of AvWD are similar to congenital vWD, but it is found in individuals with no positive family history with no underlying genetic basis. The disease remains multifactorial and incompletely understood. Proposed mechanisms include the development of autoantibodies to vWF, absorption of high molecular weight vWF multimers that impair normal function, shear stress induced vWF cleavage and increased proteolysis.

The aetiology of the disease is variable, the most common being hematoproliferation, lymophoproliferation, myeloproliferation and autoimmune and cardiovascular disorders. Consensus and protocols for AvWD patients that require major surgery are currently lacking. Patients with AvWD can experience thrombotic events during surgery as a result of therapeutic interactions with pro-thrombotic risk factors.

Case presentation:

Here, the authors report a patient with AvWD requiring a knee prosthesis implantation due to chronic pain, limited range of motion and functional impairment. The patient had a high risk of bleeding during surgery and was at risk of thrombosis due to age and obesity.

Clinical discussion:

Perioperative care required a collaborative approach and the management of bleeding. The patient was administered vWF concentrate Willfact lacking Factor VIII to prevent haemorrhage and to minimize the risk of thrombosis.

Conclusion:

The treatment was effective and well-tolerated. The authors use this information to provide recommendations for AvWD patients for whom major surgery is indicated.
The AIDS Epidemic Model 2023 for Estimating HIV Trends and Transmission Dynamics in Asian Epidemic Settings
Authors: Brown Tim , Peerapatanapokin Wiwat , Siripong Nalyn , Puckett Robert
Published: January 2024

Background:

Thirteen Asian countries use the AIDS Epidemic Model (AEM) as their HIV model of choice. This article describes AEM, its inputs, and its application to national modeling.

Setting:

AEM is an incidence tool used by Spectrum for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS global estimates process.

Methods:

AEM simulates transmission of HIV among key populations (KPs) using measured trends in risk behaviors. The inputs, structure and calculations, interface, and outputs of AEM are described. The AEM process includes (1) collating and synthesizing data on KP risk behaviors, epidemiology, and size to produce model input trends; (2) calibrating the model to observed HIV prevalence; (3) extracting outputs by KP to describe epidemic dynamics and assist in improving responses; and (4) importing AEM incidence into Spectrum for global estimates. Recent changes to better align AEM mortality with Spectrum and add preexposure prophylaxis are described.

Results:

The application of AEM in Thailand is presented, describing the outputs and uses in-country. AEM replicated observed epidemiological trends when given observed behavioral inputs. The strengths and limitations of AEM are presented and used to inform thoughts on future directions for global models.

Conclusions:

AEM captures regional HIV epidemiology well and continues to evolve to meet country and global process needs. The addition of time-varying mortality and progression parameters has improved the alignment of the key population compartmental model of AEM with the age–sex-structured national model of Spectrum. Many of the features of AEM, including tracking the sources of infections over time, should be incorporated in future global efforts to build more generalizable models to guide policy and programs.
New Graduate Nurse Residency: Taking Rehabilitation Nurses’ Transition to Practice to a New Level
Authors: Pfeifer Pamela B. , Desai Antonette Marie , Stevens Kathleen A.
Published: January 2024

It began with a challenge from our Chief Nursing Officer. As a Magnet hospital, it was time for our nurse residency program to be recognized as an accredited program for new graduate nurses. This article shares our experience using the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses competency statements in a creative way when applying for recognition as the first American Nurses Credentialing Center-accredited specialty hospital nurse residency program. Although these competency statements were used initially to meet the requirements of the accreditation application process, they also led to the creation of a document that serves two purposes. First, it can be used to instruct new graduate nurses on the structure and processes of a nurse residency program in which competency statements are used to guide curriculum development. Second, it can be used to inform nurse residency program managers on new graduate nurses’ progress throughout the nurse residency program by tracking competency completion. The end result of this accredited program is a new graduate nurse who understands not only what it means to be a nurse but also what it means to be a rehabilitation specialty nurse.
An ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter Gene Links Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses
Authors: Wilcox Sara M. , Arora Hitesh , Choi Kyung Bok , Kari Suresh , Munro Lonna , Pfeifer Cheryl G. , Jefferies Wilfred A.
Published: January 2024

Positive-strand RNA viruses and DNA viruses generate double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) during their replication processes and innate immune responses against viral infections are orchestrated by numerous interferon-stimulating genes, yet the detailed coordination of downstream signaling of anti-viral immune responses is not fully understood. Recent studies suggest 2’-5’- Oligoadenylate Synthetase 1 (OAS1) may have a protective role in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections; however, the mechanism regulating OAS1 remains uninvestigated. Our aim is to understand the regulation of OAS1 and its modulation of RNaseL activity, as this has significant implications for responses to RNA viruses, including Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and SARS-CoV-2. We explore the hypothesis that ABCF1 an ATP-binding cassette family member protein, a key regulator of innate immune responses and macrophage polarization and cytokine storm, play a role in regulating the antiviral responses and downstream dsRNA signaling revealed by measuring responses to the synthetic dsRNA analog termed poly (I:C). We utilize ABCF1 haplo-insufficient mice to discover that ABCF1 modulates the amplitude and frequency of VSV-specific Cytolytic T lymphocyte in anti-viral immune responses and suggests that innate immune responses underpin this process. To understand this mechanism, we describe that ABCF1 interacts with 2’-5’-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1) which in turn modulates essential proteins that leads to the modulation of RNaseL activity via ABCE1. Furthermore, we find that ABCF1 also influences the production of interferon-α (IFN-α) and interferon-β (IFN-β) in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Overall,, we unexpectedly discovered that ABCF1 acts as a crucial link between innate and adaptive immunity, regulating the development of adaptive Cytolytic T lymphocyte responses and interacting with OAS1, a key regulator of innate immune responses against viral infections. Exploring pharmacological agents that target ABCE1 or ABCF1 may lead to the discovery of novel modalities for countering SARS CoV-2 and other viruses where OAS1 is a crucial innate immune response gene.
Self-Supervised Electrocardiograph De-noising
Authors: Liu Xiaobo , Yan Jiadong , Huang Yisen , Wang Yubin , Lin Chanchan , Huang Yingxuan , Liu Xiaoqiang
Published: January 2024

The electrocardiogram (ECG) records heart-beats and is potentially life-saving. However, the ECG signals (e.g., recorded by the standard ECG monitoring system or the Holter ECG monitoring system) heavily suffered from the noises. Thus, the recorded signals involve meaningful cardiac deflections, other biological waves (e.g., caused by the muscle or electrode movements), and even some noises from the monitoring devices (e.g., the power cables). These noise sources would result in inaccurate analyses of cardiac diseases, thus requiring the ECG de-noising methods in data pre-processing phase before the diagnoses. Previous work provided various ECG de-noising approaches, typically based on some filter algorithms or some wave decomposition algorithms. Most of these approaches did not profoundly consider the ECG signals’ specific data structure, and were not adaptive to the signals recorded by various devices or different skin electrodes. Inspired by the ECG recording theory, we find it available to extract noise information from noisy ECG signals directly. We propose a new ECG de-noising method implemented by the neural network, which de-noise the ECG signals without the supervision of the clean signals. The procedure in the self-supervision is straightforward: we first estimate and simulate the noise signals according to the given noisy ECG signals, and then “subtract” the simulated noises to obtain the de-noised ECG signals by the neural network. Experiments on a public dataset verify that our approach is adaptive to ECG signals from different patients and devices. Also, it is proven that the classification on the ECG signals de-noised by the proposed de-noising methods outperforms those with the traditional de-noising methods.
Dihydrothiazolo ring-fused 2-pyridone antimicrobial compounds treatStreptococcus pyogenesskin and soft tissue infection
Authors: Zou Zongsen , Obernuefemann Chloe L. P. , Singh Pardeep , Pinkner Jerome S. , Xu Wei , Nye Taylor M. , Dodson Karen W. , Almqvist Fredrik , Hultgren Scott J. , Caparon Michael G.
Published: January 2024

We have developed GmPcides from a peptidomimetic dihydrothiazolo ring-fused 2-pyridone scaffold that have antimicrobial activities against a broad-spectrum of Gram-positive pathogens. Here we examine the treatment efficacy of GmPcides using skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) and biofilm formation models byStreptococcus pyogenes. Screening our compound library for minimal inhibitory (MIC) and minimal bactericidal (MBC) concentrations identified GmPcide PS757 as highly active againstS. pyogenes. Treatment ofS. pyogenesbiofilm with PS757 revealed robust efficacy against all phases of biofilm formation by preventing initial biofilm development, ceasing biofilm maturation and eradicating mature biofilm. In a murine model ofS. pyogenesSSTI, subcutaneous delivery of PS757 resulted in reduced levels of tissue damage, decreased bacterial burdens and accelerated rates of wound-healing, which were associated with down-regulation of key virulence factors, including M protein and the SpeB cysteine protease. These data demonstrate that GmPcides show considerable promise for treatingS. pyogenesinfections.
Chemical imaging unveils mitochondria as the major site of medicinal biguanide accumulation within cells
Authors: Wang Lei , Zeng Xianrong , Li Yanjie , Hao Wanyu , Yu Zijing , Yao Luxia , Zhang Yongdeng , Wang Zhaobin , Wu Lianfeng
Published: January 2024

Metformin (MET), a commonly prescribed medication for managing type 2 diabetes, has demonstrated various beneficial effects beyond its primary anti-diabetic efficacy. However, the mechanism underlying MET activity and its distribution within organelles remain largely unknown. In this study, we integrate multiple technologies, including chemical labeling, immunostaining, and high-resolution microscopy imaging, to visualize the accumulation of MET in organelles of cultured cells. To achieve this objective, an alkynylated MET probe is developed that preserves biological activity similar to biguanide drugs. As determined by biorthogonal chemical labeling and imaging, the MET probe selectively localizes to substructures within cells, contrasting with its probe control. Furthermore, the MET probe can be competitively and efficiently washed out through biguanide administration, demonstrating the specific activity of this probe in monitoring the cellular dynamics of biguanide drugs. Our results indicate that the MET probe can reach near-saturated concentrations within two hours and is rapidly eliminated within an additional two hours once the exogenous source of the drug is removed. Furthermore, we reveal that the MET probe primarily accumulates in mitochondria, particularly within the mitochondrial matrix, and has a minor presence in other organelles, such as lysosomes and endosomes. Together, this study provides the first view of the MET subcellular localization and lays the foundation for future investigations on its molecular targets and mechanisms of action in promoting human health.
Curcumin Inhibits Zika Virus NS3 Helicase Activity
Authors: Kumar Ankur , Bhardwaj Aparna , Joshi Richa , Bhardwaj Taniya , Giri Rajanish
Published: January 2024

In the last decades, many efforts have been put forward in search of inhibitors/drugs specific to ZIKV-infected patients. These inhibitors include approved drugs, natural products, nucleosides, small molecules, and many others to inhibit Zika virus replication in cell and mouse models. In this regard, natural product curcumin has been widely explored in various disease conditions and found to have inhibition potential against ZIKV replication as well. Further, we investigated its inhibitory ability against the ZIKV NS3 helicase. We found that the curcumin interacts with the NS3 helicase domain by forming stable contacts at NTPase and RNA binding sites during molecular dynamic simulation. Furthermore, curcumin inhibits NTPase activity of NS3 helicase with an IC50of 64.42 μM. Altogether, the mechanistic insight into the action of curcumin will enlighten further drug discovery research in finding novel molecules.
Sorafenib induces muscle wasting by disrupting the activity of distinct chromatin regulators
Authors: Khan Bushra , Lanzuolo Chiara , Rosti Valentina , Santarelli Philina , Pich Andreas , Kraft Theresia , Amrute-Nayak Mamta , Nayak Arnab
Published: January 2024

Adverse effects of chemotherapies can outweigh the benefits in cancer patients. Various chemotherapeutics are linked to muscle wasting or cachexia, drastically reducing the chance of survivability of cancer patients. Insights into the molecular basis of chemotherapy-induced cachexia is an unmet need to improve the treatment strategies. Here, we investigated the tyrosine kinase inhibitor class of chemotherapeutic agents for their effects on muscle function. Sorafenib, but not Nilotinib and Imatinib, triggered cachexia. System-wide transcriptome and proteome analyses revealed that Sorafenib alters the global transcriptional program and proteostasis in muscle cells. Mechanistically, Sorafenib treatment reduced active epigenetic mark H3K4 methylation on distinct muscle-specific genes due to the defective chromatin association of SET1/A, a catalytic component of the SET1/MLL complex. It favored transcriptionally incompetent chromatin, characterized by diminished association with RNA polymerase II. The transcriptional reorientation led to disrupted sarcomere organization, calcium homeostasis, and mitochondrial respiration. Consequently, the contractile ability of muscle cells was severely compromised. Collectively, we identified an unanticipated transcriptional mechanism underlying Sorafenib-induced cachexia. Our findings hold the potential to strategize therapy regimens to minimize chemotherapy-induced cachexia and improve treatment outcomes.
ALS patient-derived motor neuron networks exhibit microscale dysfunction and mesoscale compensation rendering them highly vulnerable to perturbation
Authors: Fiskum Vegard , Winter-Hjelm Nicolai , Christiansen Nicholas , Sandvig Axel , Sandvig Ioanna
Published: January 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis affects upper and lower motor neurons, causing progressive neuropathology leading to structural and functional alterations of affected neural networks long prior to development of symptoms. Certain genetic mutations, such as expansions inC9orf72, predispose motor neuron populations to pathological dysfunction. However, it is not known how underlying pathological predisposition affects structural and functional dynamics within vulnerable networks. Here, we studied micro-and mesoscale dynamics of ALS patient derived motor neuron networks over time. We show, for the first time, that ALS patient derived motor neurons with endogenous genetic predisposition develop classical ALS cytopathology in the form of cytoplasmic TDP-43 inclusions and self-organise into computationally efficient networks, albeit with functional hallmarks of higher metabolic cost compared to healthy controls. These hallmarks included microscale impairments and mesoscale compensation including increased centralisation of function. Moreover, we show that these networks are highly susceptible to transient perturbation by exhibiting induced hyperactivity.
Exploring the mass radius of
He4
and implications for nuclear structure
Authors: Wang Rong , Han Chengdong , Chen Xurong
Published: January 2024

In this study, we determine the mass radius of He4, a very light nucleus, by examining the near-threshold ϕ-meson photoproduction data of the LEPS Collaboration. To assess the gravitational form factor of He4, we employ multiple models for the mass distribution, including Yukawa-type, exponential, Gaussian, and uniform functions. The mass radius of He4 is measured to be 1.70±0.14 fm, which is approximately equal to the charge radius of He4. Surprisingly, in contrast to the findings of the proton, no noticeable discrepancy between the charge radius and the mass radius is noted for the He4 nucleus. The proton and neutron distributions within He4 are likely to be identical, confirming its regular tetrahedral structure in a new way. We propose exploring the difference between charge and mass radii as a new approach to examine the nuclear structure.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Einstein-Proca theory from the Einstein-Cartan formulation
Authors: Barker Will , Zell Sebastian
Published: January 2024

We construct a theory of gravity in which a propagating massive vector field arises from a quadratic curvature invariant. The Einstein-Cartan formulation and a partial suppression of torsion ensure the absence of ghost and strong-coupling problems, as we prove with nonlinear Lagrangian and Hamiltonian analysis. Augmenting general relativity with a propagating torsion vector, our theory provides a purely gravitational origin of Einstein-Proca models and constrains their parameter space. As an outlook to phenomenology, we discuss the gravitational production of fermionic dark matter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024