bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refund Psychology
Authors: Yu Tianjiao , Cryder Cynthia , LeBoeuf Robyn A
Published: October 2023

Consumers frequently receive refunds from prior purchases. In this research, we examine if money refunded from previous purchases is more likely to be spent than money that does not go through a refund process. Across nine pre-registered studies, we test how consumers’ willingness to spend depends on the transaction history of their money. We find that, when people receive a refund and do not need to replace the originally purchased item, they are more likely to spend the refunded money on a discretionary purchase than they are to spend non-refunded money that is otherwise identical. We suggest that this pattern arises because refunded money is earmarked as “spending money” at the time of the initial purchase and then retains that earmark even after the refund is issued. When refunds arrive, therefore, they seem free from obligations and easy to spend. This research documents the psychology of purchase refunds, a topic largely unaddressed in the mental accounting literature to date.
Cancer and COVID-19: US cancer incidence rates during the first year of the pandemic
Authors: Howlader Nadia , Bhattacharya Manami , Scoppa Steve , Miller Daniel , Noone Anne-Michelle , Negoita Serban , Cronin Kathy , Mariotto Angela
Published: October 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound global impact on health-care systems and patient outcomes. However, the specific effects of the pandemic on cancer incidence rates in the United States during its initial year remain unknown.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–22 registries, which encompass approximately 50% of the US population. We investigated changes in monthly incidence rates stratified by various factors, including cancer type, stage, age group, sex, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, rural-urban status, and registry locations. We compared the incidence rates observed during the pandemic with those from the previous year.

Results

Our findings revealed a decline in incidence rates for all cancer sites combined starting in March 2020, coinciding with the implementation of stay-at-home orders. This decline reached its lowest point in April 2020 and persisted at a lower level until May 2020. Notably, compared with April 2019, the incidence rates in April 2020 dropped by 48.1% and did not consistently return to prepandemic levels. The reduction in cancer rates was more pronounced in urban and affluent counties. Across all cancer types, there was a statistically significant decrease in incidence rates during the pandemic, with the largest declines observed in thyroid (71.2%), prostate (57.9%), breast (54.9%), and colon and rectum cancers (54.1%). Furthermore, these decreases were primarily observed in early stage rather than late-stage disease.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic had a statistically significant impact on cancer outcomes. Monitoring long-term consequences of the pandemic on cancer incidence, stage at diagnosis, and mortality trends will be crucial.
Environmental monitoring for filamentous fungal pathogens in hematopoietic cell transplant units
Authors: Marek Aleksandra , Meijer Eelco F J , Tartari Ermira , Zakhour Johnny , Chowdhary Anuradha , Voss Andreas , Kanj Souha S , Bal Abhijit M
Published: October 2023

The incidence of invasive fungal disease (IFD) is on the rise due to increasing numbers of highly immunocompromized patients. Nosocomial IFD remains common despite our better understanding of its risk factors and pathophysiology. High-efficiency particulate air filtration with or without laminar air flow, frequent air exchanges, a positive pressure care environment, and environmental hygiene, amongst other measures, have been shown to reduce the mould burden in the patient environment. Environmental monitoring for moulds in areas where high-risk patients are cared for, such as hematopoietic cell transplant units, has been considered an adjunct to other routine environmental precautions. As a collaborative effort between authors affiliated to the Infection Prevention and Control Working Group and the Fungal Infection Working Group of the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (ISAC), we reviewed the English language literature and international guidance to describe the evidence behind the need for environmental monitoring for filamentous fungi as a quality assurance approach with an emphasis on required additional precautions during periods of construction. Many different clinical sampling approaches have been described for air, water, and surface sampling with significant variation in laboratory methodologies between reports. Importantly, there are no agreed-upon thresholds that correlate with an increase in the clinical risk of mould infections. We highlight important areas for future research to assure a safe environment for highly immunocompromized patients.
FLAMINGO: calibrating large cosmological hydrodynamical simulations with machine learning
Authors: Kugel Roi , Schaye Joop , Schaller Matthieu , Helly John C , Braspenning Joey , Elbers Willem , Frenk Carlos S , McCarthy Ian G , Kwan Juliana , Salcido Jaime , van Daalen Marcel P , Vandenbroucke Bert , Bahé Yannick M , Borrow Josh , Chaikin Evgenii , Huško Filip , Jenkins Adrian , Lacey Cedric G , Nobels Folkert S J , Vernon Ian
Published: October 2023

To fully take advantage of the data provided by large-scale structure surveys, we need to quantify the potential impact of baryonic effects, such as feedback from active galactic nuclei (AGN) and star formation, on cosmological observables. In simulations, feedback processes originate on scales that remain unresolved. Therefore, they need to be sourced via subgrid models that contain free parameters. We use machine learning to calibrate the AGN and stellar feedback models for the FLAMINGO (Fullhydro Large-scale structure simulations with All-sky Mapping for the Interpretation of Next Generation Observations) cosmological hydrodynamical simulations. Using Gaussian process emulators trained on Latin hypercubes of 32 smaller volume simulations, we model how the galaxy stellar mass function (SMF) and cluster gas fractions change as a function of the subgrid parameters. The emulators are then fit to observational data, allowing for the inclusion of potential observational biases. We apply our method to the three different FLAMINGO resolutions, spanning a factor of 64 in particle mass, recovering the observed relations within the respective resolved mass ranges. We also use the emulators, which link changes in subgrid parameters to changes in observables, to find models that skirt or exceed the observationally allowed range for cluster gas fractions and the SMF. Our method enables us to define model variations in terms of the data that they are calibrated to rather than the values of specific subgrid parameters. This approach is useful, because subgrid parameters are typically not directly linked to particular observables, and predictions for a specific observable are influenced by multiple subgrid parameters.
Formation of a wide-orbit giant planet in a gravitationally unstable subsolar-metallicity protoplanetary disc
Authors: Matsukoba Ryoki , Vorobyov Eduard I , Hosokawa Takashi , Guedel Manuel
Published: October 2023

Direct imaging observations of planets revealed that wide-orbit (>10 au) giant planets exist even around subsolar-metallicity host stars and do not require metal-rich environments for their formation. A possible formation mechanism of wide-orbit giant planets in subsolar-metallicity environments is the gravitational fragmentation of massive protoplanetary discs. Here, we follow the long-term evolution of the disc for 1 Myr after its formation, which is comparable to disc lifetime, by way of a two-dimensional thin-disc hydrodynamic simulation with the metallicity of 0.1 $\rm {Z}_{\odot }$. We find a giant protoplanet that survives until the end of the simulation. The protoplanet is formed by the merger of two gaseous clumps at ∼0.5 Myr after disc formation, and then it orbits ∼200 au from the host star for ∼0.5 Myr. The protoplanet’s mass is ∼10 MJ at birth and gradually decreases to 1 MJ due to the tidal effect from the host star. The result provides the minimum mass of 1 MJ for the protoplanet in our simulation. We anticipate that the mass of a protoplanet experiencing reduced mass loss thanks to the protoplanetary contraction in higher resolution simulations can increase to ∼10 MJ. We argue that the disc gravitational fragmentation would be a promising pathway to form wide-orbit giant planets with masses of ≥1 MJ in subsolar-metallicity environments.
Volatiles in the H2O and CO2 ices of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko
Authors: Rubin Martin , Altwegg Kathrin , Berthelier Jean-Jacques , Combi Michael R , De Keyser Johan , Fuselier Stephen A , Gombosi Tamas I , Gudipati Murthy S , Hänni Nora , Kipfer Kristina A , Ligterink Niels F W , Müller Daniel R , Shou Yinsi , Wampfler Susanne F
Published: October 2023

European Space Agency’s Rosetta spacecraft at comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko (67P) was the first mission that accompanied a comet over a substantial fraction of its orbit. On board was the Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis mass spectrometer suite to measure the local densities of the volatile species sublimating from the ices inside the comet’s nucleus. Understanding the nature of these ices was a key goal of Rosetta. We analysed the primary cometary molecules at 67P, namely H2O and CO2, together with a suite of minor species for almost the entire mission. Our investigation reveals that the local abundances of highly volatile species, such as CH4 and CO, are reproduced by a linear combination of both H2O and CO2 densities. These findings bear similarities to laboratory-based temperature-programmed desorption experiments of amorphous ices and imply that highly volatile species are trapped in H2O and CO2 ices. Our results do not show the presence of ices dominated by these highly volatile molecules. Most likely, they were lost due to thermal processing of 67P’s interior prior to its deflection to the inner solar system. Deviations in the proportions co-released with H2O and CO2 can only be observed before the inbound equinox, when the comet was still far from the sun and the abundance of highly volatile molecules associated with CO2 outgassing were lower. The corresponding CO2 is likely seasonal frost, which sublimated and lost its trapped highly volatile species before re-freezing during the previous apparition. CO, on the other hand, was elevated during the same time and requires further investigation.
Can Uranus and Neptune form concurrently via pebble, gas, and planetesimal accretion?
Authors: Eriksson Linn E J , Mol Lous Marit A S , Shibata Sho , Helled Ravit
Published: October 2023

The origin of Uranus and Neptune has long been challenging to explain, due to the large orbital distances from the Sun. After a planetary embryo has been formed, the main accretion processes are likely pebble, gas, and planetesimal accretion. Previous studies of Uranus and Neptune formation typically do not consider all three processes; and furthermore, do not investigate how the formation of the outer planet impacts the inner planet. In this paper, we study the concurrent formation of Uranus and Neptune via pebble, gas, and planetesimal accretion. We use a dust-evolution model to predict the size and mass flux of pebbles, and derive our own fit for gas accretion. We do not include migration, but consider a wide range of formation locations between 12 and $40\, \textrm {au}$. If the planetary embryos form at the same time and with the same mass, our formation model with an evolving dust population is unable to produce Uranus and Neptune analogues. This is because the mass difference between the planets and the H–He mass fractions become too high. However, if the outer planetary embryo forms earlier and/or more massive than the inner embryo, the two planets do form in a few instances when the disc is metal-rich and dissipates after a few Myr. Furthermore, our study suggests that in situ formation is rather unlikely. Nevertheless, giant impacts and/or migration could potentially aid in the formation, and future studies including these processes could bring us one step closer to understanding how Uranus and Neptune formed.
Simulations of weakly magnetized turbulent mixing layers
Authors: Zhao Xihui , Bai Xue-Ning
Published: October 2023

Radiative turbulent mixing layers (TMLs) are expected to form pervasively at the phase boundaries in multiphase astrophysical systems. This inherently small-scale structure is dynamically crucial because it directly regulates the mass, momentum, and energy exchanges between adjacent phases. Previous studies on hydrodynamic TMLs have revealed the interactions between cold and hot phases in the context of the circumgalactic medium, offering important insight into the fate of cold clouds traveling through hot galactic winds. However, the role of magnetic field has only been sparsely investigated. We perform a series of 3D magnetohydrodynamics simulations of such mixing layers in the presence of weak to modest background magnetic field. We find that due to field amplification, even relatively weak background magnetic fields can significantly reduce the surface brightness and inflow velocity of the hot gas in the mixing layer. This reduction is attributed to a combination of magnetic pressure support and direct suppression of turbulent mixing, both of which alter the phase structures. Our results are largely independent of thermal conduction and converged with resolution, offering insights on the survival of cold gas in multiphase systems.
Magnetized rotating isothermal winds
Authors: Raives Matthias J , Coleman Matthew S B , Thompson Todd A
Published: October 2023

We consider the general problem of a Parker-type non-relativistic isothermal wind from a rotating and magnetic star. Using the magnetohydrodynamics code athena++, we construct an array of simulations in the stellar rotation rate Ω* and the isothermal sound speed cT, and calculate the mass, angular momentum, and energy loss rates across this parameter space. We also briefly consider the 3D case, with misaligned magnetic and rotation axes. We discuss applications of our results to the spin-down of normal stars, highly irradiated exoplanets, and to nascent highly magnetic and rapidly rotating neutron stars born in massive star core-collapse.
Accretion of ice giant planets from massive protoplanets whose migration is blocked by Jupiter and Saturn
Authors: Benedetti-Rossi G , Ribeiro R , Winter O C , Gaspar H S , Vieira-Neto E
Published: October 2023

The growth and dynamical evolution of protoplanets beyond Saturn through collisions and type I migration typically result in a highly chaotic dynamics, producing a diversity of outcomes depending on the initial conditions. Here we present the results of N-bodies numerical simulations aiming to make a detailed exploration of different initial conditions and potential outcomes for this dynamics. We consider Jupiter and Saturn at the imminence of crossing the 3:2 mean motion resonance in two possible positions based on the final and initial conditions of the Grand Tack and the Nice models, respectively; four different gas disc lifetimes, and a range of population sizes of planetary embryos beyond Saturn with different masses and orbital configurations in a total of 72 different setups. We present statistical analyses of our outcomes including planets that ‘jump’ to interior orbits of Jupiter, the frequency of close encounters between the planetary embryos and Jupiter, the number of ejections and collisions, and the dynamical effects for stabilizing the final planetary system in chains of mean motion resonances. Results show that independently of the initial configuration of Jupiter and Saturn and the gas lifetime, the dynamical evolution goes through three main phases. A few per cent of the simulations successfully produce Uranus and Neptune analogues, which may have implications on the ice giants’ composition and obliquities, the material ejected from the Solar System, and the conditions for the giant planet instability.
Ultracool spectroscopic outliers in Gaia DR3
Authors: Cooper W J , Smart R L , Jones H R A , Sarro L M
Published: October 2023

Gaia DR3 provided a first release of RP spectra and astrophysical parameters for ultracool dwarfs (UCDs). We used these Gaia RP spectra and astrophysical parameters to select the most outlying UCDs. These objects have spectral types of M7 or later and might be young brown dwarfs or low-metallicity objects. This work aimed to find UCDs that have Gaia RP spectra significantly different to the typical population. However, the intrinsic faintness of these UCDs in Gaia means that their spectra were typically rather low signal-to-noise ratio in Gaia DR3. This study is intended as a proof of concept for future iterations of the Gaia data releases. Based on well-studied subdwarfs and young objects, we created a spectral type-specific color ratio, defined using Gaia RP spectra; this ratio is then used to determine which objects are outliers. We then used the objects kinematics and photometry external to Gaia to cut down the list of outliers into a list of ‘prime candidates’. We produce a list of 58 Gaia RP spectra outliers, seven of which we deem as prime candidates. Of these, six are likely subdwarfs and one is a known young stellar object. Four of six subdwarf candidates were known as subdwarfs already. The two other subdwarf candidates, namely 2MASS J03405673 + 2633447 (sdM8.5) and 2MASS J01204397 + 6623543 (sdM9), are new classifications.
Large-scale turbulence cascade in the spiral galaxy NGC 6946
Authors: Nandakumar Meera , Dutta Prasun
Published: October 2023

The generation mechanism of compressible fluid turbulence at kiloparsec scales in the interstellar medium is a long-lasting puzzle. In this work, we explore the nature of large-scale turbulence in the external spiral galaxy NGC 6946. We use the visibility moment estimator to measure the H i column density and line-of-sight turbulent velocity power spectra combining the new observations of A array configuration of Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) with the VLA B, C, D array observations from The H i Nearby Galaxy Survey. The estimated power spectra are obeying a power law with a slope of −0.96 ± 0.05 in column density and −1.81 ± 0.07 in line-of-sight velocity in length-scales ranging from 6 kpc to 170 pc. This points towards a forward energy cascade in the plane of the disc with a driving scale at least as large as 6 kpc. The values of the power-law indices indicate a combination of solenoidal and compressive force responsible for driving the measured turbulence. The presence of strong regular magnetic fields from the magnetic spiral arms in the galaxy is possibly contributing to the solenoidal part, while self-gravity or gravitational instability can mostly be the input for the compressive part of the forcing in the driving mechanism.
Slowly rotating close binary stars in Cassini states
Authors: Felce Catherine , Fuller Jim
Published: October 2023

Recent asteroseismic measurements have revealed a small population of stars in close binaries, containing primaries with extremely slow rotation rates. Such stars defy the standard expectation of tidal synchronization in such systems, but they can potentially be explained if they are trapped in a spin-orbit equilibrium known as Cassini state 2 (CS2). This state is maintained by orbital precession due to an outer tertiary star, and it typically results in a very sub-synchronous rotation rate and high degree of spin-orbit misalignment. We examine how CS2 is affected by magnetic braking and different types of tidal dissipation. Magnetic braking results in a slower equilibrium rotation rate, while tidal dissipation via gravity waves can result in a slightly higher rotation rate than predicted by equilibrium tidal theory, and dissipation via inertial waves can result in much slower rotation rates. For seven binary systems with slowly rotating primaries, we predict the location of the outer tertiary predicted by the CS2 theory. In five of these systems, a tertiary companion has already been detected, although it is closer than expected in three of these, potentially indicating tidal dissipation via inertial waves. We also identify a few new candidate systems among a population of eclipsing binaries with rotation measurements via spot modulation.
The exclusionary approach to consciousness
Authors: Paßler Marlo
Published: October 2023

The standard approach in the field of consciousness research involves identifying the neural correlates of consciousness (NCCs) by comparing neural activity between conscious and unconscious trials. However, this method has been met with criticism due to the lack of consensus on how to operationalize and measure consciousness. In this paper, I propose an alternative approach: the exclusionary approach. Rather than utilizing near-threshold conditions to contrast conscious and unconscious trials, this approach leverages the widely accepted notion that subjective reports are reliable under normal conditions. I propose that this can be done by assessing whether consciousness remains stable across trials while manipulating other factors such as reports, tasks, stimulation, or attention. We can use the resulting contrast to exclude certain kinds of neural activity as candidate NCCs. This method produces results that are less contentious, allowing for the establishment of hard criteria for theories of consciousness. Additionally, this approach does not require the development of new research paradigms, but can incorporate existing studies, particularly those aimed at identifying confounding factors in the standard approach. It is important to note, however, that the proposed exclusionary approach does not negate the value of the identification approach. Rather, they should be considered as complementary methods.
Investigating Blood Donors With Postdonation Respiratory Tract Symptoms During the Wild-Type, Delta, and Omicron Waves of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in England
Authors: Gates Shannah , Ijaz Samreen , Baklan Hatice , Washington Charlotte , Brailsford Su , Zambon Maria , Harvala Heli
Published: October 2023

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been shown to be detectable in blood from infected individuals. Though RNAemia frequencies are typically low, the presence of potentially infectious virus potentially poses a transmission risk during blood transfusion.

Methods

Archived plasma samples were collected from blood donors who later reported possible SARS-CoV-2 infection with the wild-type strain, Delta variant, or Omicron variant. This was based on either symptom onset or a positive test within 2 weeks from their donation. Donations were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, and information on symptoms and testing results were gathered during postdonation interview.

Results

Of 518 archived plasma samples tested, 19 (3.7%) were found to have detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in donors who donated during the Delta (10/141 [7.1%]) and Omicron (9/162 [5.6%]) waves. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in donors who donated during the wild-type wave (0/215). Seventeen of 19 RNAemic donors reported symptom onset or a positive test within 2 days of donating. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in asymptomatic or presymptomatic blood donors.

Conclusions

Despite RNAemia being correlated with SARS-CoV-2 disease severity, RNAemia was detected in asymptomatic or presymptomatic blood donors.
Conformal symmetry and effective potential: I. Vacuum Vz, x operation for the Green functions
Authors: Anikin I V
Published: October 2023

We begin a series of two papers that is devoted to the study of the multi-loop effective potential evolution in φ4 theory using the conformal symmetry. In this first part, we introduce and describe in detail the vacuum Vz, x operation (“V” stems from “vacuum”; {z, x} imply the corresponding coordinates) that transforms the given Green’s functions to the corresponding vacuum integrations that generate the effective potential. Our operation can be considered as an inverse procedure compared to the Gorishnii–Isaev method. To reach the final goal, it is also necessary to introduce a special treatment of the mass terms as types of “interaction” in an asymptotical expansion of the generating functional.
Introgression Underlies Phylogenetic Uncertainty But Not Parallel Plumage Evolution in a Recent Songbird Radiation
Authors: Rancilhac Loïs , Enbody Erik D , Harris Rebecca , Saitoh Takema , Irestedt Martin , Liu Yang , Lei Fumin , Andersson Leif , Alström Per
Published: October 2023

Instances of parallel phenotypic evolution offer great opportunities to understand the evolutionary processes underlying phenotypic changes. However, confirming parallel phenotypic evolution and studying its causes requires a robust phylogenetic framework. One such example is the “black-and-white wagtails,” a group of 5 species in the songbird genus Motacilla: 1 species, Motacilla alba, shows wide intra-specific plumage variation, while the 4r others form 2 pairs of very similar-looking species (M. aguimp + M. samveasnae and M. grandis + M. maderaspatensis, respectively). However, the 2 species in each of these pairs were not recovered as sisters in previous phylogenetic inferences. Their relationships varied depending on the markers used, suggesting that gene tree heterogeneity might have hampered accurate phylogenetic inference. Here, we use whole genome resequencing data to explore the phylogenetic relationships within this group, with a special emphasis on characterizing the extent of gene tree heterogeneity and its underlying causes. We first used multispecies coalescent methods to generate a “complete evidence” phylogenetic hypothesis based on genome-wide variants, while accounting for incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and introgression. We then investigated the variation in phylogenetic signal across the genome to quantify the extent of discordance across genomic regions and test its underlying causes. We found that wagtail genomes are mosaics of regions supporting variable genealogies, because of ILS and inter-specific introgression. The most common topology across the genome, supporting M. alba and M. aguimp as sister species, appears to be influenced by ancient introgression. Additionally, we inferred another ancient introgression event, between M. alba and M. grandis. By combining results from multiple analyses, we propose a phylogenetic network for the black-and-white wagtails that confirms that similar phenotypes evolved in non-sister lineages, supporting parallel plumage evolution. Furthermore, the inferred reticulations do not connect species with similar plumage coloration, suggesting that introgression does not underlie parallel plumage evolution in this group. Our results demonstrate the importance of investing genome-wide patterns of gene tree heterogeneity to help understand the mechanisms underlying phenotypic evolution. [Gene tree heterogeneity; incomplete lineage sorting; introgression; parallel evolution; phylogenomics; plumage evolution; wagtails.]
Stepwise phosphorylation of BLT1 defines complex assemblies with β‐arrestin serving distinct functions
Authors: Tatsumi Riko , Aihara Saki , Matsune Seiya , Aoki Junken , Inoue Asuka , Shimizu Takao , Nakamura Motonao
Published: October 2023

G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) utilize complex cellular systems to respond to diverse ligand concentrations. By taking BLT1, a GPCR for leukotriene B4 (LTB4), as a model, our previous work elucidated that this system functions through the modulation of phosphorylation status on two specific residues: Thr308 and Ser310. Ser310 phosphorylation occurs at a lower LTB4 concentration than Thr308, leading to a shift in ligand affinity from a high‐to‐low state. However, the implications of BLT1 phosphorylation in signal transduction processes or the underlying mechanisms have remained unclear. Here, we identify the sequential BLT1‐engaged conformations of β‐arrestin and subsequent alterations in signal transduction. Stimulation of the high‐affinity BLT1 with LTB4 induces phosphorylation at Ser310 via the ERK1/2‐GRK pathway, resulting in a β‐arrestin‐bound low‐affinity state. This configuration, referred to as the “low‐LTB4‐induced complex,” necessitates the finger loop region and the phosphoinositide‐binding motif of β‐arrestins to interact with BLT1 and deactivates the ERK1/2 signaling. Under high LTB4 concentrations, the low‐affinity BLT1 again binds to the ligand and triggers the generation of the low‐LTB4‐induced complex into a different form termed “high‐LTB4‐induced complex.” This change is propelled by The308‐phosphorylation‐dependent basal phosphorylation by PKCs. Within the high‐LTB4‐induced complex, β‐arrestin adapts a unique configuration that involves additional N domain interaction to the low‐affinity BLT1 and stimulates the PI3K/AKT pathway. We propose that the stepwise phosphorylation of BLT1 defines the formation of complex assemblies, wherein β‐arrestins perform distinct functions.
Transition of care in inborn errors of immunity
Authors: Tadros Susan , Burns Siobhan O.
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

This review outlines the principles of transition, summarizes current information about transition practices in inborn errors of immunity (IEI) and highlights general and specific considerations for transition of patients with these conditions.

Recent findings

Recent surveys demonstrate the variability in access to and transition practices in IEI. Key challenges of transition in IEI from the perspective of healthcare professionals include lack of adult subspecialists, lack of access to holistic care and fragmentation of adult services. Limited research focused on IEI patient and carer perspectives highlight information gaps, poor coordination and difficulty adapting to adult healthcare structures as important challenges for smooth transition.

Local policies and practices for transition in IEI are highly variable with limited assessment of outcomes or patient experience. There is a need for IEI-focused transition research and for development of national and international consensus statements to guide improved transition in IEI.
Tibial Plateau Fracture Surgical Care Utilizing Standardized Protocols Over Time: A Single Center’s Longitudinal View
Authors: Schwartz Luke , Ganta Abhishek , Konda Sanjit , Leucht Philipp , Rivero Steven , Egol Kenneth
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To report on demographics, injury patterns, management strategies and outcomes of patients who sustained fractures of the tibial plateau seen at a single center over a 16-year period.

Design:

Prospective collection of data.

Patients/ Participants: 716 patients with 725 tibia plateau fractures, were treated by one of 5 surgeons.

Intervention:

Treatment of tibial plateau fractures.

Main outcome measurements:

Outcomes were obtained at standard timepoints. Complications were recorded. Patients were stratified into 3 groups: those treated in the first 5 years, those treated in the second 5 years and those treated in the most recent 6 years.

Results:

608 fractures were followed for a mean 13.4 months (6-120) and 82% had a minimum 1-year follow up. Patients returned to self-reported baseline function at a consistent proportion during the 3 time periods. The average knee arc was 125 degrees (75 – 135 degrees) at latest follow up and did not differ over time. The overall complication rate following surgery was 12% and did not differ between time periods. Radiographs demonstrated excellent rates of healing and low rates of PTOA and improved articular reductions at healing (0.58 mm in group 3 compared to 0.94 mm in Group 1 and 1.12 mm in Group 2) (P<0.05),

Conclusion:

The majority of patients regained their baseline functional status following surgical intervention and healing. Over time the ability of surgeons to achieve a more anatomic joint reduction was seen, however this did not correlate with improved functional outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Development of a Diagnostic Model for Differentiating Tuberculous Spondylitis and Pyogenic Spondylitis With MRI
Authors: Wang Jin , Li Zhaoxin , Chi Xiansu , Chen Yungang , Wang Huaxin , Wang Xiaoying , Cui Kaiying , Wang Qing , Lu Tongxin , Zheng Jianhu , Zhang Qiang , Hao Yanke
Published: October 2023

Study Design.

Multicenter retrospective observational study.

Objective.

This study aimed to distinguish tuberculous spondylitis (TS) from pyogenic spondylitis (PS) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Further, a novel diagnostic model for differential diagnosis was developed.

Summary of Background Data.

TS and PS are the two most common spinal infections. Distinguishing between these types clinically is challenging. Delayed diagnosis can lead to deficits or kyphosis. Currently, there is a lack of radiology-based diagnostic models for TS and PS.

Methods.

We obtained radiologic images from MRI imaging of patients with TS and PS and applied the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to select the optimal features for a predictive model. Predictive models were built using multiple logistic regression analysis. Clinical utility was determined using decision curve analysis, and internal validation was performed using bootstrap resampling.

Results.

A total of 201 patients with TS (n=105) or PS (n=96) were enrolled. We identified significant differences in MRI features between both groups. We found that noncontiguous multivertebral and single-vertebral body involvement were common in TS and PS, respectively. Vertebral bone lesions were more severe in the TS group than in the PS group (Z=−4.553, P<0.001). The patients in the TS group were also more prone to vertebral intraosseous, epidural, and paraspinal abscesses (P<0.001). A total of 8 predictors were included in the diagnostic model. Analysis of the calibration curve and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve suggested that the model was well-calibrated with high prediction accuracy.

Conclusions.

This is the largest study comparing MRI features in TS and PS and the first to develop an MRI-based nomogram, which may help clinicians distinguish between TS and PS.
Impact of timing of antihypertensive treatment on mortality: an observational study from the Spanish Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Registry
Authors: de la Sierra Alejandro , Ruilope Luis M. , Martínez-Camblor Pablo , Vinyoles Ernest , Gorostidi Manuel , Segura Julián , Williams Bryan
Published: October 2023

Background and aims:

Whether bedtime versus morning administration of antihypertensive therapy is beneficial on outcomes is controversial. We evaluated the risk of total and cardiovascular mortality in a very large observational cohort of treated hypertensive patients, according to the timing of their usual treatment administration (morning versus evening).

Methods:

Vital status and cause of death were obtained from death certificates of 28 406 treated hypertensive patients (mean age 62 years, 53% male individuals), enrolled in the Spanish Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) Registry between 2004 and 2014. Among the 28 406 patients, most (86%) received their medication exclusively in the morning; whilst 13% were treated exclusively in the evening or at bedtime. Follow-up was for a median of 9.7 years and 4345 deaths occurred, of which 1478 were cardiovascular deaths.

Results:

Using Cox-models adjusted for clinical confounders and 24-h SBP, and compared with patients treated in the morning (reference group), all-cause mortality [hazard ratio 1.01; 95% CI 0.93–1.09) and cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio 1.04; 95% CI 0.91–1.19) was not significantly different in those receiving evening medication dosing. The results were consistent in all the subgroups of patients analysed.

Conclusion:

In this very large observational study, morning versus bedtime dosing of antihypertensive medication made no difference to the subsequent risk of all-cause or cardiovascular mortality. These findings are in accordance with results from a recent randomized controlled trial and do not support the hypothesis of a specific beneficial effect of night-time antihypertensive treatment dosing on risk of all-cause or cardiovascular death.
Incidence of Concussions in Elite Female Water Polo: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Croteau Félix , Leclerc Suzanne , Moroz Mickey
Published: October 2023

Objective:

Current evidence for concussions is mixed in water polo players. Surveys suggest rates as high as 36%, whereas surveillance studies at international competitions often fail to report them at all. The goal of this study was to examine the incidence of concussions in elite female water polo players from surveillance tools implemented longitudinally.

Design:

Retrospective chart analysis of 10 years spanning between 2012 and 2022.

Setting:

National teams or professional sports.

Participants:

Female players from the Canadian senior national water polo teams that participated in international competitions and trained more than 10 hours per week in a competitive environment.

Assessment of Risk Factors:

Included player position, recurrence, and time loss before full return to play.

Main Outcome Measures:

Prevalence of concussion diagnosis.

Results:

Forty-three concussions were identified over the 10 years observed at a median count of 3 concussions per year. Cumulative days lost spanned between 25 and 348 days per team*year. Altogether, this produced a median rate of 14.3 injuries per 100 player*years. Goalkeepers in the sample suffered the highest rates of concussion (25.8%), compared with players in other positions (22.8% of centers and 16.7% of drivers).

Conclusions:

This study found evidence for prevalence of concussions in elite female water polo players. Improved guidelines preceded a significant reduction in time loss after the year 2017. This adds to a body of knowledge suggesting that improved surveillance methods are needed to detect and care for concussions in this population.
Fostering Governance and Information Partnerships for Chronic Disease Surveillance: The Multi-State EHR-Based Network for Disease Surveillance
Authors: Kraus Emily McCormick , Saintus Lina , Martinez Amanda K. , Brand Bill , Begley Elin , Merritt Robert K. , Hamilton Andrew , Rubin Rick , Sullivan Amy , Karras Bryant Thomas , Grannis Shaun , Brooks Ian M. , Mui Joyce Y. , Carton Thomas W. , Hohman Katherine H. , Klompas Michael , Dixon Brian E.
Published: October 2023

Context:

Electronic health records (EHRs) are an emerging chronic disease surveillance data source and facilitating this data sharing is complex.

Program:

Using the experience of the Multi-State EHR-Based Network for Disease Surveillance (MENDS), this article describes implementation of a governance framework that aligns technical, statutory, and organizational requirements to facilitate EHR data sharing for chronic disease surveillance.

Implementation:

MENDS governance was cocreated with data contributors and health departments representing Texas, New Orleans, Louisiana, Chicago, Washington, and Indiana through engagement from 2020 to 2022. MENDS convened a governance body, executed data-sharing agreements, and developed a master governance document to codify policies and procedures.

Results:

The MENDS governance committee meets regularly to develop policies and procedures on data use and access, timeliness and quality, validation, representativeness, analytics, security, small cell suppression, software implementation and maintenance, and privacy. Resultant policies are codified in a master governance document.

Discussion:

The MENDS governance approach resulted in a transparent governance framework that cultivates trust across the network. MENDS's experience highlights the time and resources needed by EHR-based public health surveillance networks to establish effective governance.
A Narrative Review of Literature Examining Studies Researching the Impact of Law on Health and Economic Outcomes
Authors: Pepin Dawn A. , St. Clair Sims Rebekah , Khushalani Jaya , Tonti Lauren , Kelly Megan A. , Song Suhang , Arifkhanova Aziza , Hulkower Rachel , Calhoun Brian H. , Puddy Richard W. , Kaminski Jennifer W.
Published: October 2023

Context:

Public health policy can play an important role in improving public health outcomes. Accordingly, there has been an increasing emphasis by policy makers on identifying and implementing evidence-informed public health policy interventions.

Program or Policy:

Growth and refinement of the field of research assessing the impact of legal interventions on health outcomes, known as legal epidemiology, prompted this review of studies on the relationship between laws and health or economic outcomes.

Implementation:

Authors systematically searched 8 major literature databases for all English language journal articles that assessed the effect of a law on health and economic outcomes published between January 1, 2009, and September 18, 2019. This search generated 12 570 unique articles 177 of which met inclusion criteria. The team conducting the systematic review was a multidisciplinary team that included health economists and public health policy researchers, as well as public health lawyers with expertise in legal epidemiological research methods. The authors identified and assessed the types of methods used to measure the laws' health impact.

Evaluation:

In this review, the authors examine how legal epidemiological research methods have been described in the literature as well as trends among the studies. Overall, 3 major themes emerged from this study: (1) limited variability in the sources of the health data across the studies, (2) limited differences in the methodological approaches used to connect law to health outcomes, and (3) lack of transparency surrounding the source and quality of the legal data relied upon.

Discussion:

Through highlighting public health law research methodologies, this systematic review may inform researchers, practitioners, and lawmakers on how to better examine and understand the impacts of legal interventions on health and economic outcomes. Findings may serve as a source of suggested practices in conducting legal epidemiological outcomes research and identifying conceptual and method-related gaps in the literature.
Four State Sleep Staging From a Multilayered Algorithm Using Electrocardiographic and Actigraphic Data
Authors: Garingo Mario , Katz Chaim , Patel Kramay , Meyer zum Alten Borgloh Stephan , Sabetian Parisa , Durmer Jeffrey , Chiang Sharon , Rao Vikram R. , Stern John M.
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

Sleep studies are important to evaluate sleep and sleep-related disorders. The standard test for evaluating sleep is polysomnography, during which several physiological signals are recorded separately and simultaneously with specialized equipment that requires a technologist. Simpler recordings that can model the results of a polysomnography would provide the benefit of expanding the possibilities of sleep recordings.

Methods:

Using the publicly available sleep data set from the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis and 1769 nights of sleep, we extracted a distinct data subset with engineered features of the biomarkers collected by actigraphic, oxygenation, and electrocardiographic sensors. We then applied scalable models with recurrent neural network and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) with a layered approach to produce an algorithm that we then validated with a separate data set of 177 nights.

Results:

The algorithm achieved an overall performance of 0.833 accuracy and 0.736 kappa in classifying into four states: wake, light sleep, deep sleep, and rapid eye movement (REM). Using feature analysis, we demonstrated that heart rate variability is the most salient feature, which is similar to prior reports.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate the potential benefit of a multilayered algorithm and achieved higher accuracy and kappa than previously described approaches for staging sleep. The results further the possibility of simple, wearable devices for sleep staging. Code is available at https://github.com/NovelaNeuro/nEureka-SleepStaging.
Differences in adult survival drive divergent demographic responses to a decade of field warming on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Miao Hai-Tao , Salguero-Gómez Roberto , Shea Katriona , Keller Joseph A. , Zhang Zhenhua , He Jin-Sheng , Li Shou-Li
Published: October 2023

A central question in biodiversity conservation is whether species will maintain viable population dynamics under future climate change. Assessing species extinction risk under climate warming requires demographic studies integrating vital rate responses to long-term warming throughout species’ life cycle. However, studies of this nature are rare.

Here, we examine the demographic responses of two co-occurring herbaceous plants,Elymus nutansGriseb. andHelictotrichon tibeticum(Roshev.) Holub, after a decade (2011-2020) ofin situactive warming by 2°C in the grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau. We parameterise Integral Projection Models (IPMs) to project the population dynamics under ambient and long-term warming conditions, and examine the key vital rates responsible for any potential differences in population growth rates.

Warming has contrasting effects on the two functionally similar co-occurring species: warming promotes the population growth rate ofH. tibeticum, but intensifies the population decline ofE. nutans. Our elasticity analyses show that survival is the most important vital rate for population viability in both species under both ambient and warmed conditions. Furthermore, our retrospective Life Table Response Experiment (LTRE) analysis reveals that the contrasting fates of the two species under warming mainly arise from the different responses of adult survival, which is significantly promoted inH. tibeticumbut slightly reduced inE. nutans.Individual shrinkage occurred 1.6-fold more frequently under warming than ambient conditions for both species, and made considerable negative contributions to their population growth rates in warmed plots. However, such negative effects are offset inH. tibeticum(but notE. nutans) by the positive contribution to population growth rate of the associated increased survival.

Synthesis. Our study illustrates that the responses to climate warming may vary considerably between similar co-occurring species, and species with a demographically compensatory strategy may avoid population collapse. Additionally, caution is needed when generalizing findings among functionally similar species, and that conservation measures should be tailored at the species level.
Cell fate dynamics reconstruction identifies TPT1 and PTPRZ1 feedback loops as master regulators of differentiation in pediatric glioblastoma-immune cell networks
Authors: Uthamacumaran Abicumaran
Published: October 2023

Pediatric glioblastoma is a complex dynamical disease that is difficult to treat due to its multiple adaptive behaviors driven largely by phenotypic plasticity. Integrated data science and network theory pipelines offer novel approaches to study glioblastoma cell fate dynamics, particularly phenotypic transitions over time. Here we used various single-cell trajectory inference algorithms to infer signaling dynamics regulating pediatric glioblastoma-immune cell networks. We identified GATA2, PTPRZ1, TPT1, MTRNR2L1/2, OLIG1/2, SOX11, PDGFRA, EGFR, S100B, WNT, TNFα, and NF-kB as critical transition genes or signals regulating glioblastoma-immune network dynamics, revealing potential clinically relevant targets. Further, we reconstructed glioblastoma cell fate attractors and found complex bifurcation dynamics within glioblastoma phenotypic transitions, suggesting that a causal pattern may be driving glioblastoma evolution and cell fate decision-making. Together, our findings have implications for the development of targeted therapies against glioblastoma, and the continued integration of quantitative approaches to understand pediatric glioblastoma tumour-immune interactions.